Canna edulis

Canna edulis, often given as a synonym of Canna indica or C. discolor, is known for its large edible rhizomes once used in Peruvian cuisine. It is a tall and beautiful perennial plant with tropical accents that forms a lush clump of leaves similar to those of a banana tree, green with violet reflections. It blooms more readily in regions with a long and hot summer, in late summer and early autumn. Its floral spikes, less spectacular than those of horticultural Cannas, display delicate red flowers with more orange on the inside. It is as easy to grow as a dahlia, but has a very different exotic charm. Plant it in a border or in a large pot on the terrace. Guaranteed effect!

Canna edulis belongs to the family Cannaceae. Its botanical origin is quite confusing, and it is possible that this plant is unknown in the wild. Nevertheless, this Canna was commonly cultivated in South America, especially in the Andes, as a vegetable plant. In mild climates, cannas can be left in the ground during winter, provided they are covered with a thick mulch that is also covered with a waterproof sheet to protect them from moisture.

This edible Canna quickly forms a lush clump, reaching a height of 80cm (31.5in) to 2m (6ft 7in) depending on the growing conditions. In containers, the plant will be much smaller than in the ground. It has large, entire, wide, oblong, sheathing leaves at the base. The lamina can reach 50-60cm (19.7-23.6in) in length and 3-4cm (1.2-1.6in) in width, and 60cm (0 and 23.6in) in length. It is entirely covered with prominent veins. Its colour, variable, is a glossy deep green, more or less purplish-violet at the edges. The late flowering takes place from August to September-October, in the form of spikes of bright red flowers, more or less orange on the inside. Each flower, 6 to 8cm (2.4 to 3.1in) in diameter, asymmetrical, consists of 3 petals fused at the base, 3 sepals and visible stamens. The plant easily multiplies vegetatively by producing numerous shoots. 

In the kitchen: the rhizomes are harvested in autumn, when all the Cannas are dug up for winter storage. Keep a few rhizomes to replant the following spring. The others can be consumed raw or cooked. Their texture becomes gelatinous after cooking, and their translucent flesh reveals a sweet flavour, intermediate between parsnip and artichoke. These cooked rhizomes can be used as a side dish, just like potatoes.

Canna edulis can be used to create beautiful compositions in containers, with a very exotic look, in the company of Agapanthus, Amaranths, and cosmos for example. It also forms a beautiful association with a dwarf banana tree or bamboo. Cannas are majestic and colourful plants, ideal for spicing up the back of borders for the taller ones, or for brightening up terraces and balconies for the smaller varieties. They are easy to grow for everyone. Consider planting them in a densely planted border with about ten bulbs of the same variety or by mixing green and purple foliage. Use them to decorate a corner of a pond with Colocasias, ferns, and ground-covering species such as Soleirolia or creeping golden loosestrife.

In floristry, Strelitzia reginae is the perfect cut exotic flower, thanks to its extraordinary structure and its vibrant orange and blue colours. It is also a very beautiful conservatory plant, which only fears the cold and is easy to grow as long as it is not lacking in water or nutrients during the growing season. You can easily create an exotic decor around the Strelitzia, by combining it with Cannas, castor oil plants, Melianthus major, Billbergia nutans, a small banana tree, gingers, and a small palm tree such as Sabal minor for example.