Canna indica 'Tropicanna Black'
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Tropicanna Black Canna
Botanical Name: Canna indica ‘Tropicanna Black’
Family: Cannaceae
Origin: Horticultural selection (parent species from tropical Americas; widely grown in Australia)
Plant Type: Clump-forming perennial (rhizomatous; semi-deciduous in SA winters)
Overview
A bold, heat-loving canna prized for its near-black, glossy foliage and vibrant orange-red flowers through summer–autumn. In Adelaide/South Australian gardens it thrives in full sun, rich soil and regular moisture, making dramatic feature clumps, back-of-border accents and statement containers. Frost may scorch leaves in the Hills, but plants reshoot strongly in spring.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 1.2–1.8 m H × 0.6–1.0 m W (clump); flower stems to 1.6–2.0 m
- Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Broad, paddle-shaped leaves, deep burgundy to near-black; colour is richest in full sun and with good feeding
- Flowers: Showy orange to tangerine-red blooms mainly summer–autumn; good for cutting
- Seasonal Interest: Striking dark foliage from spring; hot-season flowers; may die back/top-scorch in winter and reshoot in spring
- Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and visiting pollinators
- Tolerance: Heat-tolerant; enjoys consistent moisture; tolerates brief dry spells once established if mulched; light frost may burn foliage (protect in Hills frost pockets); second-line coastal OK; large leaves can tear in strong winds
- Planting Density: Borders: 1–2 per metre (≈ 60–100 cm centres); Mass: 1–2 plants/m²; Containers: 40–50 cm pots or larger
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun (best foliage colour/flowering); light part shade makes leaves greener
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam; enrich with compost; keep evenly moist spring–autumn; avoid winter waterlogging on heavy clay (raise/mound if needed)
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every week in summer (twice weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
- Maintenance: Remove spent flower spikes; tidy old leaves; cut back frosted stems in late winter to 10–20 cm; feed in spring and mid-summer with a balanced organic fertiliser; divide every 3–4 years to refresh clumps
- Lifespan: 5–10+ years with basic care
- Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA—excellent on Adelaide Plains and sheltered coastal sites; protect in Adelaide Hills frost pockets
- Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slightly acidic–slightly alkaline)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Feature clumps for dramatic black foliage contrast
- Back-of-border with salvias, grasses or grey-leaf natives
- Poolside/pots for a tropical look that loves Adelaide heat
- Colour anchor for summer displays with oranges, reds and purples
Why You Will Love It
High-impact black foliage plus fiery summer flowers that revel in Adelaide’s sunshine—fast, dramatic and surprisingly easy with regular water and mulch.