Canna 'Red', also known as Red Canna Lily, is a vibrant flowering plant known for its striking, tropical appearance and bold, red flowers. It’s part of the Canna genus, which is famous for its large, colorful blooms and lush foliage, making it a popular choice in ornamental gardens and landscapes.

Key Features of Canna 'Red':

1. Appearance:

Canna 'Red' produces large, showy flowers that are typically deep red in color, although some varieties may show hints of orange or scarlet. These flowers have a unique, almost exotic shape with large, petal-like structures that radiate from the center.
The plant features broad, glossy green leaves that often have a slight reddish or bronze tint, contributing to its dramatic, tropical aesthetic.
The flowers grow in clusters atop tall, sturdy stems, making them a focal point in garden designs.

2. Growth Habit:

Canna 'Red' is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 90-150 cm (3-5 feet) and spreads about 45-90 cm (18-36 inches).
It has a clumping growth habit, forming dense, upright stems that support the large flowers. The plant has a robust, tropical look, with broad leaves that can add a lush, leafy backdrop even when the plant is not in bloom.

3. Flowers and Blooming Period:

The Red Canna Lily blooms in mid to late summer, continuing into the fall, depending on the growing conditions.
The flowers are large, showy, and appear in clusters, with the red petals creating a bold, eye-catching display. Each flower stalk can produce multiple blooms, extending the flowering period.
The flowers have a slight sweet fragrance, which adds to their appeal.

4. Uses:

Canna 'Red' is primarily grown for ornamental purposes in gardens, borders, and landscapes. Its vibrant red flowers and lush foliage make it an excellent choice for adding a tropical or exotic look to the garden.
It’s often used in mixed borders, along ponds, or in containers, where its striking appearance can be appreciated.
The plant also works well in creating dramatic focal points or as a backdrop for smaller flowering plants.

5. Care:

Canna 'Red' thrives in full sun, where it can produce the most vibrant flowers. It prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soil and benefits from regular watering, particularly in hot, dry weather.
The plant can be grown as a perennial in warmer climates (USDA zones 8-11), but in colder climates, it is typically treated as an annual, or the rhizomes can be dug up and stored for winter.
Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer can encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.
After blooming, deadheading (removing spent flowers) can help maintain a tidy appearance, and cutting back the foliage after the growing season can promote new growth the following year.

6. Attracts Pollinators:

Canna 'Red' flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a great plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.

7. Invasive Potential:

In some regions, Canna plants can spread aggressively through their rhizomes, so it is important to control their growth if needed to prevent them from overtaking other plants in the garden.

In summary, Canna 'Red' is an eye-catching, tropical perennial that produces vibrant red flowers atop tall stems, complemented by lush, broad green foliage. It’s perfect for adding a bold and dramatic look to gardens, and it thrives in sunny, well-watered locations. Its colorful blooms and tropical feel make it a favorite for ornamental garden beds, containers, and landscapes.