Canna Cleopatra (Canna Lily)

A very unusual Canna, ‘Cleopatra’ produces large, incredibly eye-catching yellow flowers adorned with red spots, or red flowers, or even flowers bearing a combination of both. The vibrantly colored blossoms stand out against the lush foliage of large, lance-shaped leaves, which may be green, dark chocolate, or a combination of both.

A very unusual Canna, 'Cleopatra' produces large, incredibly eye-catching yellow flowers adorned with red spots, or red flowers, or even flowers bearing a combination of both. The vibrantly colored blossoms stand out against the lush foliage of large, lance-shaped leaves, which may be green, dark chocolate, or a combination of both. 'Cleopatra' is an unstable canna hybrid, which gives rise to these extraordinary combinations of color. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, this intriguing canna is perfect for the sunny border or large containers. A very popular cultivar since its introduction in 1895.

  • Grows up to 3-4 ft tall (90-120 cm). The bigger the tuber, the more chance it will produce larger plants and more spectacular flowers.
  • Performs best in full sun in organically rich, moist, and well-drained soils.
  • Canna Lilies look their best when massed along walls or hedges or in garden beds where they proudly stand out. Spectacular on a patio, they are well suited to container growing.
  • Very sensitive to frost, this Canna Lily is a tender perennial that is only hardy to zones 8-11. Therefore, in cooler areas, its bulb will have to be dug up before the first frost and stored indoors over the winter in a dry place before being replanted in spring.
  • Cannas are largely free of pests but in the USA, special care has to be provided to protect their leaves from the damage eventually caused by the Canna Leaf Roller. Keep an eye out for Japanese beetles, caterpillars, slugs, and snails which may chew on the foliage.
  • Deadhead Cannas throughout the growing season to keep them blooming for as long as possible.

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 11

Heat Zones 1
– 12

Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Canna – Canna Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 12″
– 24″
(30cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden