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.
'Pretoria'
Whether you’re looking to embrace the tropical trend, or fancy a fresh look for your summer display, the striking green and yellow variegated leaves of Canna 'Pretoria' will certainly bring the jungle vibes to your garden! This exotic stunner reaches a statuesque 160cm, so is guaranteed to give the wow factor wherever you choose to grow it. Whether you bring it to the foreground in an exotic planting scheme, or use it to create a lush backdrop to a mixed border, those zingy citrus-toned leaves will go with just about anything - giving you an endless number of possible planting combinations.
But it’s not just about the foliage – just when you think you’ve seen its best, in late summer Canna 'Pretoria' ups the ante even more with towering flower spikes of flaming orange. Be sure to plant it out in a sunny spot – these tropical plants love the warmth and the summer sunshine will really make those colours glow!
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 '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 'Pretoria'
- Flower colour
- Orange
- Established height
- 1.2-1.5m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Tender
- Leaf colour
- Variegated
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 9 rhizomes per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Rhizome size
- 1
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- 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.