Canna musifolia ‘Grande’

Banana Canna, Giant Canna, Indian Shot

Canna musifolia ‘Grande’ boasts immense paddle-shaped leaves and striking red blooms. This bold-leaved perennial thrives in architectural borders or tropical-style gardens with reliable moisture. Perfect for dramatic foliage and seasonal floral impact.

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Origin: Central and South America, horticultural origin

Genus: Canna

Species / Cultivar: musifolia 'Grande'

Common Name: Banana Canna, Giant Canna, Indian Shot

Synonym: Canna excelsa, Canna musaefolia

Plant Biography

Native to the humid regions of Central and South America, Canna musifolia and its notable ‘Grande’ cultivar have become mainstays in temperate ornamental gardens through their imposing stature. The parent species was first described in the 19th century as part of the flourishing global botanical trade, prized for foliage resembling that of banana plants.

Musifolia references the Latin for ‘banana-leaved,’ which inspired its common name, Banana Canna. In their native lands, plants from this genus were valued not only for their decorative merits but also for their starchy rhizomes. Today, the hybrid ‘Grande’ is grown mainly for maximum foliage impact.

Soil: Moisture Retaining

Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.

Growth Rate: Fast

Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.

Water Requirement: Medium

Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.

Maintenance: A little

Easy to look after but may occasionally require some attention in order to thrive.

Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade

Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.

Eventual Height: 2.5-3.5m

The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.

Eventual Spread: 1-1.5m

The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Hardiness: Hardy

Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.

Habit: Deciduous

Sheds all its foliage annually, so for a period of the year it will be without foliage.

Lifecycle: Perennial

This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.

Care & Size Guidance

Position Canna musifolia ‘Grande’ in a sunny, sheltered area to protect its leaves from strong winds. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist during the growing season and water regularly in dry weather.

Mulch around the base in autumn to help overwinter in milder UK areas, or lift rhizomes if hard frost is expected. Deadhead spent flowers and cut back after frost. Feed generously in spring and summer for best performance. Established plants can reach 3.5 metres so allow plenty of room. Older clumps can be divided if they outgrow their space.

Expert Tip

To maximise growth and achieve impressive leaf size, plant Canna musifolia 'Grande' in a position where it benefits from regular feeding and abundant moisture, and protect from early spring winds. Combine with bold-leaved companions such as Ricinus or colocasia for a true jungle ambiance.