how do you prune canna?

Question

I inherited a row of canna that are looking pretty scraggly. I pull out the petals that die but surely that can't be correct. Anybody?

Answer 1

I've had Canna's for quite a while, different variety's too. If yours are in a row, and have been for a long time, it might be time to thin them out. Too many plants, not enough room. Sometimes the row will get so full of bulbs and roots that the water can't seep through.
Cutting off the stems on top after they flower will produce more flowers later. But don't cut off to much of the canna plant itself until they die from the first frost. After the first frost, cut them back about 2" from ground level and stack the cuttings on top of the bed / row for insulation from the cold.
In the spring, when the cannas start to come back up, thin them as best you can. You'll need to dig up the ones you are thinning out. I do this about every 2 to 3 years, and give them away to my neighbors and friends.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

How To Prune Cannas

Answer 3

Canna need a lot of water. Let them do their thing until late September, then weedwhack them to 4" high. When you mow for the last time in October, go ahead and mow right over them. They will come up again next year.

It is always OK to remove dead leaves near the base by cutting with shears or pruners or spent blossom stems but check first by letting them grow this season to see if they make new stems--some varieties will do this.

Answer 4

Hi, i have the canna that my grand mother planted like a thousand years ago.... so here goes.... after they bloom,,, cut the stalk the flowers was on,,, and it will grow back and flower again,, you can cut it down small,, or right under the flowers ,,, i cut them about half way down the stalk... they can be seperated also,, I think....and spread out more.. talk to someone in a yard and garden shop .. or your county agent.. they can help you..

good luck....

Answer 5

You should prune it regularly, and quite hard to avoid it looking scraggly.
See
http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/canna/2003034130028952.html