canna lillies don't bloom...?

Question

does anyone have an idea why my canna lillies don't bloom? I bought a new one and it's blooming right now, all others that i planted in the spring are even bigger than that one, but only bring out more leafs.

Answer 1

My guess is that you planted late and the bulbs had not been refrigerated as most bulbs require the change from cold to warmer to do better..

Answer 2

Depending on it's environment, it might be dedicating itself to growing. If the plant is new and not yet established in your planted area, it might forgo blooming. (Blooming takes a lot of energy.) You might have also planted a bit late for cannas or your bulbs did not go through ideal conditions.

Some people might have the perfect conditions for growth (and a good water source) for cannas and it can grow to full bloom. You might want to help accelerate it's care by additional watering and some plant supplements.

If it doesn't bloom this year, you will more likely have a bloom NEXT year since by that time, the plant will have a larger root system in place.

P.S. Other things to consider is soil type, soil hardness, and surrounding plants (their root systems).


Additonal Suggestions Are Here:
Care: http://www.yardener.com/CaringForCanna.html
FAQs: http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/canna/

Answer 3

Could be the soil content. May need certain chemicals or minerals to flower.

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1997/4-25-1997/plantmetender.html

"Cannas (Canna x generalis) add a tropical appearance to annual and perennial gardens. The large green, red or striped foliage make excellent backgrounds, temporary screens or focal points in the garden. Tall scapes of bright flower colors bloom from mid-summer into early fall. Cannas are available in standard (3 to 6' tall) and dwarf (2 to 3' tall) varieties. Plant firm, healthy canna rhizomes a week before the average frost date in your area. Select a full-sun location that contains rich, moist soil. Plant the rhizomes horizontally about 6" deep and 18" apart with the buds upright. Keep the plants well watered and fertilize once or twice a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Remove spent blooms."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/30/AR2006033002340.html?nav=rss_realestate/own

"Canna lily: There are numerous hybrids of cannas available. They bloom in many colors, including rose, pink, yellow, red and orange, and they can grow three to six feet tall. Their greatest asset is that they bloom all summer. Prune stalks with fading flowers and others grow to replace them. Plant in a protected site in full sun. Lay a few inches of mulch over roots for winter, but canna's rhizomes will not survive frozen soil. So, you can also dig and store them in a cool, dry place during winter. Plant about an inch deep in well-drained soil, rich in organic material."

Best wishes!

Answer 4

Cannalillies