Canna lilies are a gardener’s dream—stunning, tropical plants that thrive with minimal care, producing bright, bold blooms and large, lush foliage. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color to any garden. However, like many perennials, canna lilies can spread quickly and become crowded, which can impact their flowering and overall health. The good news? You can easily divide them to rejuvenate the plant and propagate more cannas for your garden or to share with friends!
Dividing canna lilies is a simple process that not only keeps the plants healthy but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy more of these tropical beauties in your garden year after year. This guide will take you step by step through the process of dividing canna lilies, ensuring your garden stays vibrant and full of life.
Why Should You Divide Canna Lilies?
Cannas, like many perennial plants, grow from rhizomes—underground stems that store nutrients for the plant. Over time, these rhizomes can become crowded, leading to reduced flowering and less vigorous growth. Dividing canna lilies has several benefits:
- Encourages Healthier Growth: Crowded rhizomes compete for nutrients and space, which can stunt the growth of the plant. By dividing them, you give each new section room to grow, which encourages healthier, more vigorous plants.
- Promotes More Blooms: When canna lilies have enough space, they produce more flowers. Dividing them regularly ensures that your plants have the energy they need to bloom abundantly.
- Prevents Disease and Pests: Overcrowded plants are more susceptible to diseases and pests. Dividing the rhizomes helps improve air circulation and reduces the likelihood of rot and other issues.
- Propagates New Plants: Dividing canna lilies allows you to propagate new plants easily. You can plant the divisions in different parts of your garden or even give them away to fellow gardening enthusiasts.
When is the Best Time to Divide Canna Lilies?
The best time to divide canna lilies depends on your climate, but generally, it’s best done in early spring, just before the growing season begins. In warmer climates, you can divide them in the fall after the first frost. The key is to ensure that the plant is either dormant or just beginning to grow, so you don’t disrupt the blooming season.
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s essential to dig up and store the rhizomes before the first frost, then divide and replant them in the spring. In warmer areas where frost isn’t an issue, you can leave the rhizomes in the ground and divide them whenever the plant becomes too crowded.
What You’ll Need to Divide Canna Lilies
Before you get started, gather the following tools:
- A spade or garden fork
- A sharp knife or garden shears
- Gloves (canna rhizomes can sometimes cause skin irritation)
- A clean, dry surface for cutting the rhizomes
- Compost or organic fertilizer for replanting
- Watering can or hose
Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing Canna Lilies
1. Dig Up the Canna Lily Rhizomes
Start by carefully digging around the base of the canna lily clump with a spade or garden fork. Be sure to dig deep enough to avoid damaging the rhizomes. Lift the entire clump out of the ground and gently shake off any loose soil. If the soil is clinging to the rhizomes, you can rinse them with water to get a better view of where to make your cuts.
2. Clean and Inspect the Rhizomes
Once the clump is out of the ground, inspect the rhizomes. Healthy rhizomes are firm, fleshy, and free of rot or damage. You’ll notice that each rhizome has several “eyes” or buds, which are the points where new shoots will grow. These are important because each division needs at least one or two eyes to ensure successful growth.
3. Cut and Divide the Rhizomes
Using a sharp knife or garden shears, carefully cut the rhizomes into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one or two eyes to ensure it will grow into a new plant. If any parts of the rhizomes appear rotten or damaged, trim them away and discard them.
If your canna lilies are particularly large, you may need to make several cuts to break them down into manageable pieces. Don’t worry if the rhizomes look small after division—they will grow quickly once replanted.
4. Prepare the Soil and Replant
Prepare the soil where you plan to replant the divided rhizomes. Canna lilies thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Adding compost or organic fertilizer to the planting area will give the rhizomes a nutrient boost to start their new growth.
Plant each rhizome 4-6 inches deep with the eyes facing upward. Space them about 1-2 feet apart to give them room to grow. Canna lilies are fast growers, so providing enough space is crucial for their development.
5. Water Thoroughly
After planting the divided rhizomes, water the area thoroughly. Cannas love moisture, so keep the soil consistently damp, especially in the first few weeks after planting. Once they are established, cannas are quite drought-tolerant, but regular watering will encourage better growth and more blooms.
Post-Division Care for Canna Lilies
After you’ve divided and replanted your canna lilies, they’ll need some care to help them settle in. Here’s what to do:
- Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, to help the rhizomes establish strong roots.
- Fertilize: Cannas are heavy feeders, so give them a boost with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and midsummer to encourage lush growth and vibrant blooms.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep the soil cool, especially in hot climates.
- Prune as Needed: Remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plants looking neat and healthy. Cutting back faded flower spikes will also encourage more blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dividing Canna Lilies
How Often Should You Divide Canna Lilies?
Cannas should be divided every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding. However, if you notice that your plants are producing fewer blooms or appear to be struggling, it may be time to divide them sooner.
Can You Leave Canna Lilies in the Ground Over Winter?
In warmer climates (USDA zones 7-10), you can leave canna lilies in the ground over winter. In colder regions, you’ll need to dig up the rhizomes and store them indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.
How Long Does It Take for Divided Canna Lilies to Grow?
Once replanted, divided rhizomes will typically start to grow within a few weeks, depending on the weather and soil conditions. You can expect the plants to bloom within the first growing season after division.
Conclusion
Dividing canna lilies is an easy and rewarding task that not only keeps your plants healthy but also allows you to propagate new ones for your garden. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure that your cannas continue to thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.
So, grab your spade and get ready to divide those canna lilies—your garden will thank you!