Canna Confetti - Indian shot

Canna 'Confetti' is a dwarf variety, ideal for patios and balconies. From July to the first frosts, this rhizomatous perennial bears an astonishing flowering that is as delicious and refined as that of an Asian lily. Its round flowers display a cream or pale-yellow background, beautifully speckled with candy pink. The blooms are tightly packed on stout spikes. Its lush and healthy dark green foliage is similar to that of a banana plant. It is tolerant to drought, but will provide more beautiful blooms if planted in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Canna 'Confetti' is a recent horticultural creation resulting from, among others, C. edulis or C. indica, a large perennial native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, and C. flaccida, with wider flowers and spectacular variegation, native to wet areas of the southeastern United States, from Texas to South Carolina. This plant belongs to the Cannaceae family, and to the same group as gingers and banana plants. In spring, its thick and knotted rhizome develops a dense clump measuring at least 40cm (16in), composed of numerous large entire leaves whose sheathing base forms a false stem. The thick and dark green leaves resemble those of banana plants. From July to the first frosts, thin floral stalks, 70cm (28in) tall, appear in the centre of these apparent stems. The asymmetric flowers are grouped in dense spikes. They are round, composed of wide petals, beautifully speckled with pink on a cream to pale-yellow background. The heart of the flower is warmed by a more golden tone. At the end of the season, the flowers are followed by curious round fruits covered with thorns. These green capsules turn purple and then brown, and contain very hard black seeds.

Hybrid cannas are majestic and colourful plants, ideal for adding spice to the back of flower beds or planted in large groups on a lawn. Their cultivation is accessible to all. Consider planting them in dense flower beds of about ten bulbs of the same variety, or by mixing green and purple foliage. Canna 'Confetti' can be used to create stunning exotic-looking container displays, alongside agapanthus, amaranths, and cosmos. It forms a beautiful combination with a banana plant or bamboo. Grow this plant like a dahlia. Dig up the rhizomes before the frost arrives and replant them in spring.