Canna x ehemanii

Cannas are perfect for adding an exotic touch to the garden. Found growing in the tropics of southern United States down to South America, cannas have lush green or bronze foliage and brightly coloured flowers, which appear from midsummer until mid-autumn. They thrive in moist soils in full sun, and look fantastic when grown with other exotic-looking plants, such as agapanthus and crocosmia.

Canna x ehemanii is a particularly tall-growing canna, bearing arching stems of nodding, red-purple flowers from early summer to autumn, in contrast with bronze foliage. It's ideal for growing in a moist, sunny border, or in large pots on a sunny, sheltered patio, as long as plants are kept well watered. Mulch Canna x ehemanii in autumn to protect the rhizomes from winter frosts, or bring pots undercover in autumn.