Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Mandela'
They say that opposites attract – and the Canna collection 'Mandela' is certainly no exception to the rule! The deep, richly-toned multicoloured leaves of long-time favourite 'Durban' contrast perfectly with the zingy, fresh yellow and green striped newcomer 'Pretoria', making them perfect partners in this bold and bright new combination. And despite the difference in their leaves, these two striking varieties have something in common – in late summer they’ll both put out a show stopping display of flowers in vibrant jewel-like orange tones. Providing both architectural interest and exotic colour, the Canna collection 'Mandela' has it all.
Named after the South African cities of their origin, these two totally tropical varieties still adapt superbly well to a more northerly climate. The Mandela collection contains one rhizome each of Canna ‘Durban’ and ‘Pretoria’ – planted out from May, when risk of frost has passed, they’ll provide a lush, leafy display that will be a feast for your eyes all summer long.
Gracy tells: Look at the leaves!
"Canna leaves are bold and famous for their tropical look. Most Canna Lily cultivars have rich emerald-green leaves, but some (like Canna 'Durban' & 'Pretoria') have distinctive variegated leaves!"
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Canna collection 'Mandela'
- Flower colour
- Orange
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Tender
- Leaf colour
- Variegated, red, bronze, yellow
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 9 rhizomes per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Rhizome size
- 1
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Boggy
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost
Clay - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Exotic gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.