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Canna Lily

Canna Lily
Photo: Sheldon Navie
Invasive Plant
Canna Lily
Canna indica
 

This once popular water loving plant grows from knotted underground rhizomes to a height of 1-1.5m. Densely packed purple tinged green leaves emerge from the base with flower stalks holding small red flowers rising above the foliage throughout the warmer months. The small smooth black seeds are held in a spined capsule and germinate readily.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • This old fashioned Canna produces seed which when spread enable colonisation of natural areas.
  • The dumping of garden waste containing rhizome or seed aids in the spread of this invasive plant.
 
 
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Other superior selections include;

  • Canna indica 'Hybrids' - Hybrid Canna Lilies
  • Cordyline fruticosa (Syn. Cordyline terminalis) - Cordylines
  • Curcuma australasica - Cape York Lily

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Cunjevoi
Photo: Paul Donatiu
Alternative Plant Cunjevoi
Alocasia brisbanensis
Trees and Shrubs
 

Large green elephant ear leaves emerge from a thick base to a height of 1.5m. Greenish white spathiphyllum style flowers appear on stalks in the warmer months followed by red berries.

Please note: all parts of this plant are considered poisonous if ingested.

Elephant Ears
Photo: Barry Naylor
Alternative Plant Elephant Ears
Alocasia macrorrhizos 'New Guinea Gold'
Trees and Shrubs
 

Large elephant ear leaves emerge on long stems to 1.8m. It is often variegated, with speckles of yellow on the leaves. It has bright yellow blooms in summer. This plant needs some protection from the sun and ample moisture.

Mat Rushes
Photo: Barry Naylor
Alternative Plant Mat Rushes
Lomandra species
Grasses
 

This widely used accent plant has thick arching green foliage that emerges from a central crown. Suitable near waters edge or boggy areas but able to tolerate dry conditions as well, this is a most versatile alternative. Many new cultivars are now available with a range of foliage colours and growth habits.

 
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