Tropical Punch! Exotic Plants as Focal Points and Accents in Midwestern Gardens
 
 

University of Illinois Extension
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/tropicalpunch/

Some Tropical Plants to Consider

Canna

If one plant were chosen to bring the feel of the tropics to the garden, this would be the one. They are easily grown and will produce colorful foliage and flamboyant flowers. Heights range from 12-18 inches to six feet or more. For the best foliage and heaviest bloom, grow them in full sun in rich, moist soil. Almost all will grow in standing water if the rhizomes are started in pots submerged in water. Deadheading encourages rebloom all summer. Dig the rhizomes in the fall after frost and store them, with soil around the rhizomes in a cool, dry area. In March, cut the rhizomes apart, pot them and start them indoors in containers for planting outside after danger of frost is past.

 

 
   


 

Tropical Punch! was developed by Greg Stack, Extension Educuator, Horticulture, University of Illinois Extension, gstack@uiuc.edu

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