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Hardy canna

How to identify Hardy canna (Thalia dealbata)

Hardy canna, also known as Powdery thalia

Hardy canna displays a striking appearance with its spike of small purple flowers that rise prominently above the foliage during summer. It boasts elegant, heart-shaped leaves attached to lengthy petioles reaching up to about 6 feet (183 cm) tall, bearing resemblance to Strelitzia leaves. Its growth is characterized by a moderate spread through rhizomes. This plant thrives well in damp conditions and can tolerate being submerged to a depth of roughly 18 inches (45 cm). Its leaves and flowers are supported above the water in full sun to light shade environments.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Hardy canna

1

Heart-shaped leaves with purple edges, up to 18 inches (45 cm) long, dusted with white powder.

2

Spike of small violet flowers on 8-inch (20 cm) panicles, blooming in pairs above foliage.

3

Dark reddish, unbranched stem with powdery texture, 0.5-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm) in diameter.

4

Small utricles resembling achenes, rich purple-brown, holding dark brown-black seeds, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm).

5

Grows up to 6 feet (183 cm) tall, spread through rhizomes, thriving in damp conditions.

Hardy cannaHardy cannaHardy cannaHardy cannaHardy canna

Detailed Traits of Hardy canna

Leaf Features

The thick, ovate to lanceolate blue-green leaves of hardy canna are dusted with white powder and edged in purple, reaching up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length. The upper surface is pale green and smooth, while the underside is greenish-white with hairs along the base, veins, and margins. During the day, leaves are displayed horizontally but stand more erect in the evening. Their bright green, lance-shaped form makes them distinctive.

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Flower Features

The flowers of hardy canna are small, violet, and grow in dense clusters on panicles measuring about 8 inches (20 cm) long. They are carried high above the foliage, and the individual blooms appear in pairs. The purple petals are arranged symmetrically, enhancing their visual appeal. Typically, these flowers bloom during the warmer months, emitting a mild, pleasant scent. This distinctive floral structure makes them a noteworthy feature in aquatic or semi-aquatic garden settings.

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Stem Features

The stem of hardy canna is distinguished by its dark reddish color and is covered with a fine powdery substance, giving it a matte and slightly rough texture. The stem is relatively thick, averaging around 0.5 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) in diameter, and generally unbranched. This sturdy and upright stem structure supports the plant's leaves and flowers, making it a notable feature for identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of hardy canna are small utricles, resembling achenes, with a near spherical to broadly ovoid shape. Mature fruits exhibit a rich purple to brown hue, providing a distinct contrast to the foliage. They envelope a single, dark brown to black seed, which typically measures 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in diameter. The surface texture of these fruits tends to be smooth. These fruits' unique characteristics, including their coloring, shapely form, and internal seed, assist with identification.

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Key Facts About Hardy canna

Attributes of Hardy canna
Spread
60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Silver
Flower Size
2 cm
Flower Color
Purple
White
Stem Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Hardy canna

Family
Arrowroot
Icon allow
Species
Hardy canna (Thalia dealbata)
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Distribution Map of Hardy canna

Hardy canna is a plant native to the freshwater wetlands of subtropical and tropical America. It has also been introduced to new locations across various continents, prominently in temperate and tropical regions in Eastern Asia. This plant thrives in both its native habitat and in cultivation, often found in ornamental ponds and water gardens beyond its indigenous range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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