Canna 'Red King Humbert' shines above lime green sweet potato vines.
Cannas? Canna lilies? What do I call these tall, showy plants that bloom all summer?
Excellent Question!
We hear this very question often. The name canna comes from the Greek word kanna. It means reed or reed-like plant. Cannas are best known for their flashy blooms that stand tall on their stems as if to say, "Hey! Notice me!"
While cannas are often referred to as canna lilies, they are not related to the lily family at all. Large, tropical blooms bring to mind images of exotic lilies, but that is the extent of their similarities.
Another less common name for cannas is Indian shot. Some varieties of cannas produce a very hard, round, black seed. It has been rumored through the ages that canna seeds have actually been launched from weapons. Beyond being used as a bullet, canna seeds are used in a Zimbabwean gourd-like instrument called a hosho. I was visiting with a gentleman just last week who makes hoshos. His name is Craig LaFollette. We were tickled that he found us. If interested, here is a link to Craig's website.
Whether you refer to them as cannas or canna lilies, use them to make bullets, music or just add fantastic color to your yard, we are glad to be of service to you.
Happy Easter!
-Dustin & Nikki Snow