Companion Plants for Cannas: The Perfect Match

Oleh Anonymous March 02, 2023 Post a Comment

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Cannas are beautiful flowering plants that add color and interest to any garden. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice among gardeners. However, like any other plant, they can benefit from the company of other plants. Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that involves growing different plants together to create a mutually beneficial environment. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best companion plants for cannas.

The Importance of Companion Planting

Companion planting has many benefits, including pest control, soil improvement, and increased yields. When you plant certain plants together, they can help each other in various ways. For example, some plants repel pests while others attract beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs. Additionally, some plants fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve the growth of neighboring plants. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a healthy and thriving garden.

Best Companion Plants for Cannas

1. Salvia

Salvia is a great companion plant for cannas because it attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. It also has a beautiful blue or purple flower that complements the bright colors of cannas. Additionally, salvia is a drought-tolerant plant, which makes it a good choice for gardens with limited water resources.

How to Grow Salvia

Salvia prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It can be propagated by division or cuttings. Water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Prune it back in the fall to encourage bushier growth.

2. Lantana

Lantana is another great companion plant for cannas. It has a long blooming period and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Its colorful flowers complement the bright colors of cannas, creating a beautiful display.

How to Grow Lantana

Lantana prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Prune it back in the fall to encourage bushier growth.

3. Verbena

Verbena is a low-growing plant that makes an excellent groundcover around cannas. It has a long blooming period and attracts pollinators, such as butterflies and bees. Its delicate flowers come in a variety of colors, making it a versatile choice for any garden.

How to Grow Verbena

Verbena prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It can be propagated by division or cuttings. Water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Deadhead it regularly to encourage more blooms.

4. Zinnias

Zinnias are a popular annual flower that complements the bright colors of cannas. They come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, pink, and yellow. Additionally, they attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Zinnias

Zinnias prefer well-draining soil and full sun. They can be grown from seed or transplants. Water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Deadhead them regularly to encourage more blooms.

5. Coleus

Coleus is a colorful foliage plant that makes an excellent companion for cannas. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a versatile choice for any garden. Additionally, coleus can tolerate some shade, which makes it a good choice for gardens with limited sun.

How to Grow Coleus

Coleus prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. It can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Pinch back the tips regularly to encourage bushier growth.

6. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular annual flower that repels pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. Additionally, they attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds prefer well-draining soil and full sun. They can be grown from seed or transplants. Water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Deadhead them regularly to encourage more blooms.

Choosing the right companion plants for cannas can help create a healthy and thriving garden. By planting plants that complement each other, you can improve soil health, control pests, and increase yields. Some of the best companion plants for cannas include salvia, lantana, verbena, zinnias, coleus, and marigolds.

FAQs

1. Can I grow cannas in containers?

Yes, cannas can be grown in containers. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and use a well-draining potting mix.

2. How often should I water cannas?

Cannas prefer moist soil, but be careful not to overwater them. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

3. Do cannas need fertilizer?

Yes, cannas benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.

4. How do I propagate cannas?

Cannas can be propagated by division. Wait until the plant is dormant in the fall and dig up the rhizomes. Cut them into sections, making sure each section has at least one shoot and one root.