Michigan Gardener

SIGN UP to stay in touch!
We will send you occasional e-mails with gardening tips and information!


Digital Editions

Click on the cover to read now!

  • Home
  • Departments
    • Ask MG
    • Books
    • Clippings
    • Garden Snapshots
    • MG in the News
    • Janet’s Journal
    • Plant Focus
    • Profile
    • Raising Roses
    • Thyme for Herbs
    • Tools and Techniques
    • Tree Tips
  • Garden Event Calendar
  • Resources
    • Alternatives to Impatiens
    • Garden Help
    • Soil and Mulch Calculator
    • Public Gardens
  • Web Extras
  • About
    • About Us
    • Editorial Content
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
Home Ask MG Planting cannas in containers

PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.

Planting cannas in containers

June 29, 2010   •   

I want to plant cannas in containers this year. What type of soil should I use? Do cannas need to be constantly moist and, if so, should I plug up the drainage hole in the container?

Although cannas are water-loving plants and actually do very well in a pond or water garden setting, they adapt very well to containers.

Use a soilless mix of sphagnum peat and perlite. Select a container large enough to support your canna. Most cannas will grow between 36 and 48 inches tall. A 14 inch or larger pot should work well. Also think about planting other shorter or trailing annuals in with your canna to help balance the overall look of your container garden.

Water only when the soil is dry but realize with growth your canna will dry out quicker and probably require a daily watering. Do not plug the drainage hole. All it takes is a few rainy days in a row to fill the pot with water and ruin your plants.

Filed Under: Ask MG

Previous Post: Growing herbs in part-shade
Next Post: Want To Cut Grass Out Of Your Life? Try Moss

Copyright 1996-2025 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved.