African Arrowroot Canna indica

Arrowroot is a tropical and subtropical perennial plant native of Central America, South America, and the West Indies. Its primary habitats are sites with heavy rain-fall, disturbed areas, roadsides, and the outskirts of villages. The plant has been naturalized in the Southeastern United States, portions of Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, portions of Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The genus name, Canna, is from the Greek word "Kanna," which means reed-like plant.

Arrowroot prefers sunlight, moist, well-drained soils with a preferably acidic pH. The plant may grow in soil types such as sand, clay, loam, and chalk. The rhizomes need to be spaced about 3 feet apart and 4- 6 inches deep after the last frost in the spring.  Remove the spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering from August to October.  After the first frost in the fall, the plants should be cut to the ground.  In areas where the plant is not winter hardy, the rhizomes should be lifted from the ground for winter storage. The rhizomes should be stored in peat or vermiculite in a cool dry area. It is best to mist the rhizomes with water over the winter to prevent shriveling. Arrowroot may be propagated by division or by seeds.

The leaves may grow up to 24 inches long and 8 inches wide. They appear broad, waxy, and ovate to elliptical in shape. The large flowers appear at the top of the stalk.  The blooms range in color from red to yellow-orange. The fruit is an ovoid capsule with soft spines. The small seeds are very hard and dark brown to black in color. Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, moths, and bats are attracted to the plant's flower. 

Arrowroot is a stunning and brilliant large plant for a cottage garden, informal garden, patio, or container. The flowers last about 1-2 days but new blooms appear constantly through the growing season.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Problems: Diseases affecting the Arrowroot include Canna rust, Canna yellow mottle virus, and Canna yellow streak virus. Some varieties are more disease-resistant. Pests commonly found include Canna leaf roller moth, Japanese Beetles, and Bird Cherry Oat Aphid

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Canna.