Cannas, also known as canna lilies, are beautiful flowering plants that require full sun to thrive and reach their full potential. This means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While some plants can tolerate partial shade, cannas prefer to bask in the bright sunlight.
When cannas are grown in full sun, they are able to produce an abundance of vibrant flowers. The intense sunlight stimulates flower production and enhances the colors of the blooms. The bright, warm rays of the sun also help to promote sturdy growth and prevent the plants from becoming leggy.
On the other hand, if cannas are grown in shade, they tend to stretch and become leggy in their search for sunlight. This leggy growth can cause the foliage to become weak and floppy, detracting from the overall appearance of the plant. In addition, cannas grown in shade will typically produce fewer flowers compared to those grown in full sun.
It’s worth noting that some varieties of cannas are grown primarily for their colorful leaves rather than their flowers. These varieties, often referred to as “canna lily hybrids,” have foliage that comes in a range of vibrant hues such as red, purple, and bronze. However, when grown in shade, the colors of their leaves may not be as bright and vibrant as they would be in full sun.
Personal experience: I have grown cannas in both full sun and partial shade, and the difference in their growth and flowering potential was quite noticeable. The cannas I planted in a sunny spot in my garden produced tall, sturdy stems and an abundance of vibrant flowers. On the other hand, the cannas I planted in a shadier area grew taller and lankier, with fewer flowers. The leaves of the shaded cannas also seemed less vibrant compared to those in full sun.
To summarize, canna lilies require full sun to thrive and produce an abundance of flowers. Full sun exposure helps to promote sturdy growth, prevents leggy growth, and enhances the colors of both the flowers and foliage. While cannas can tolerate some shade, it is not ideal and can result in weaker growth and fewer flowers. So, if you want your cannas to truly shine, make sure to provide them with plenty of sunlight.