Canna 'Pretoria'
'Canna 'Pretoria' is one of the most widely recognized variegated cannas. You may know it as Pretoria or as Bengal Tiger. They are two names for the same variety. A third, and less common, name is canna 'Striata'.
Unfortunately, it is quite common for canna varieties to have more than one name. There is not a society for cannas to help govern the naming of varieties.
We began growing Pretoria here at our farm in 1998. It is gorgeous in the field, flowerbeds, containers and even water gardens. Canna 'Pretoria' has large and generous orange blooms.
----A Bit of Pretoria's History
Ian Cooke provides a bit of history about this popular canna in his book The Gardener's Guide to Growing Cannas. Ian writes, "This is undoubtedly the most popular and well-known of the coloured-leaved cannas and very much a 'love it or hate it' plant."
"This canna's background is very uncertain. It is said to have originated in India over 50 years ago, hence 'Bengal Tiger'. Apparently Indian merchants brought it to Africa, and so the name 'Pretoria'."
"Various nurseries claim the responsibility for its introduction to the USA. As yet, none of this can be verified. It is the most readily available variegated canna, although because of its popularity, invariably in short supply."