Canna The President | Scarlet-Red Flowering Perennial

Canna ‘The President’ is a classic heirloom canna lily bearing fiery scarlet-red blooms edged in fine gold, a proven performer for bold summer garden color.

Gardening enthusiasts have trusted Canna The President for nearly a century, and for good reason. This stately canna cultivar produces some of the most vivid red flowers in the perennial world, with each bloom carrying a subtle golden-yellow edge that makes the color almost glow. Whether you’re planting a tropical-themed bed or just want a dependable showstopper, this heirloom variety earns its name.

What Is Canna ‘The President’?

Canna ‘The President’ is a tender perennial grown from rhizomes, not seeds, and belongs to the same plant family as ginger and banana. It was introduced around 1929 and has remained one of the best-selling cannas ever since — a run of more than 95 years that few ornamentals can match.

Each flower spike rises above broad, blue-green leaves and carries multiple blossoms that resemble gladiolus in shape. The petals are a deep scarlet-red with a thin gold line at the edge and yellow markings near the center. When planted in a group, the effect is dramatic enough to anchor an entire border. The Royal Horticultural Society gives this cultivar its Award of Garden Merit, a mark of reliable performance in garden conditions.

How Tall Does This Canna Grow?

Canna ‘The President’ comes in two common forms. The standard version reaches 4 to 6 feet tall at maturity, with most plants landing near the 4-foot mark under normal garden conditions. A dwarf variant also exists that tops out around 30 inches, making it a better fit for smaller beds or container planting.

The plant spreads 10 to 20 inches wide and takes 2 to 5 years to reach its full height. This slow establishment period is normal — the rhizome system needs time to mature before sending up its tallest flower spikes.

Planting Canna ‘The President’ Step By Step

Spring is the only time to plant these rhizomes, and timing matters. The soil must be at least 60°F, which usually means waiting until two to three weeks after the last frost date. Planting too early into cold, wet soil is the fastest way to lose rhizomes to rot.

1. Choose a full-sun location with rich, well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole 3 to 4 inches deep.
3. Place the rhizome horizontally in the hole.
4. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.
5. Space additional plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or plant in raised beds to improve drainage.

Growing Conditions For Best Blooms

Full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours daily — is non-negotiable for peak flowering. In hotter climates, light afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch, but too much shade reduces bloom count significantly. The Royal Horticultural Society notes that consistent moisture and rich soil are key to getting the best performance from this cultivar.

Soil should be organically rich, moist, and well-drained, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Deep weekly watering is better than frequent light sprinkling. During the growing season, apply a high-potassium fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks to support flower production and color intensity. These plants thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 90°F.

How Do You Keep Canna ‘The President’ Blooming All Summer?

Regular deadheading is the single most effective technique for extending the bloom period. As each flower spike finishes, cut it back to the main stem to redirect energy into new growth. Pair this with consistent high-potassium feeding every two to three weeks, and the plant will produce flowers from midsummer straight through until the first fall frost.

Winter Care In Cold Climates (Zones Below 8)

Gardeners north of Zone 8 cannot leave these rhizomes in the ground over winter. One hard frost is enough to kill them. The standard method is to lift and store them indoors until spring.

1. Wait until frost blackens the foliage, then cut the stems back to 4 to 6 inches.
2. Dig up the clump carefully and gently remove excess soil.
3. Allow the rhizomes to dry in a cool, airy place for a day or two.
4. Store them in barely moist compost or peat in a frost-free location around 50°F.
5. Check periodically during winter — if they shrivel, add a light mist of water; if they feel soggy, remove the damp compost.

Replant the following spring once the soil warms to 60°F.

Growing Canna ‘The President’: The Essentials

This heirloom canna has earned its 95-year reputation through reliable performance and flowers that truly deliver. Plant it in full sun, keep the soil moist and rich, deadhead spent blooms regularly, and lift the rhizomes in fall if your winters dip below freezing. Follow those steps, and Canna ‘The President’ will reward you with a season-long display of classic red blooms that few other perennials can match.