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How to Divide Canna Lilies
How to Divide Canna Lilies. Cannas lilies are easy to grow and are highly prized for their beautiful flowers. Their dense clumps of large, heavy foliage make them a perfect backdrop, tall border or screen to hide unwanted views. They are kin to bananas and ginger, and are considered tropical plants, but will grow in cooler climates if they get at...
Cannas lilies are easy to grow and are highly prized for their beautiful flowers. Their dense clumps of large, heavy foliage make them a perfect backdrop, tall border or screen to hide unwanted views. They are kin to bananas and ginger, and are considered tropical plants, but will grow in cooler climates if they get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day and are cared for in the winter. There are many varieties with multi-colored foliage and flower colors to pick from. They spread easily, and dividing them into more plants is not difficult.
Things You'll Need
Cannas lilies or bulbs
Sharp knife
Garden fork
Good draining soil
Fertilizer
Divide your cannas lilies either in the fall or the spring depending on what zone you live in. If you live in a colder climate you will want to dig them up and store them for the winter and then divide them in the spring. If you live in a warmer zone such as zone 6, you can leave them in the ground and divide in the spring.
Dig the cannas lily bulbs up gently with a pitch of garden fork.
Brush the dirt off so you can see the eyes or buds on the rhizome.
Cut off any old foliage.
Using a sharp clean knife, cut the rhizome so that two or three healthy eyes remain. But if you are going to store them for the winter pick a cool, dark location, leave a little dirt on them and do not cut the rhizome until spring.
Plant in the spring or after the danger of frost has passed. Pick a sunny location and plant in clumps for a showy floral statement.
Bury the rhizome, eyes up, about 6 inches deep and spaced about a foot apart.
Water and fertilize sufficiently.
Tips & Warnings
Cannas lilies also do well in large pots, but they must be watered often. Plant them where they have room to spread. This plant is very effective and showy in groups, and can be left undisturbed for years if it's fertilized and does not become crowded.
Leaf-rolling caterpillars can be devastating to the foliage, so check often for infestation. Remember that they are tall plants growing to a height of 4 to 6 feet in good conditions.
