Cannova Series Cannas

Canna ‘Cannova Yellow’ within a large stand of spikes

In the world of Cannas, the Cannova series is a game changer for the horticultural professional in two major ways. First, the plants flower much better in Cincinnati than traditional varieties because they were bred for our market. Second, Cannovas are reliable in a way that Cannas haven’t been in a long time. In the bad old days, Canna propagation was more art than science, and a dark art at that. The supply chain was deeply troubled by serious disruptions so Cannas were often consigned to the novelty rack, not because they were spectacular but because it was uncertain whether you could get them at all.

Cannovas changed all that.

‘Purple Baron’—brushes emerge with red tinges

If you want nice big brushes of Millet for autumn, we have the cultivars. A popular one is ‘Purple Baron’, chosen for its large solid brush and deep glossy leaves. This is a mid-range Millet, growing about 3 feet, for the Millet look without the telephone pole loftiness of the larger ones. We like this variety because it branches out, generating more nodes for more Millet brushes per plant.

As they evolve, brushes are covered with golden pollen

‘Purple Baron’ has another interesting detail: the flash of color the brush goes through as it evolves. When the stem appears the brush emerges with red tinges, soon to be covered with golden pollen. Red seeds crop up from under the pollen as the brush finally matures. Foliage starts out green and takes on a dark, glossy coat as the plant matures also.

Red seeds crop up from under the pollen as brushes finally mature

For decor purposes, the habit is tall and slender so when it is dried ‘Purple Baron’ can be used like a cornstalk in holiday displays. It’s a fast fill-in for autumn and the blooms are laden with pollen. In addition, the seeds are oil-rich, so this variety is a good addition to a birding garden. Culturally, it co-exists with sunflowers very nicely—same soil, same light, and same water.

Millet ‘Purple Baron’ is shipping now in the 8-inch pot. ‘Jester’ and ‘Jade Princess’ are available in the 8-inch pot as well.

 
Three new plants to look for at Field Day 2019

Just a reminder that Field Day will take place on August 21st 2019—be sure to mark your calendar. This year you’ll see three plants that haven’t been featured in our Display Gardens before:

Asclepias ‘Monarch Promise’ is a tropical milkweed with brilliant variegated foliage tinged red, orange, and pink at the leaf tips. Bright orange-red plumes attract Monarch butterflies and many other species of pollinators.

Oxalis ‘Charmed Wine’ is a traditional shamrock with a twist: deep wine red foliage. Delicate blush pink flowers bloom from spring through summer. Like all of our shamrock varieties it is sterile and non-invasive.

Heliotropium ‘Fragrant Delight’ should ring a bell—we talked about it in a recent issue of Field Notes. This beautiful heirloom plant has textured dark purple flowers and an unusual cherry pie fragrance. It is shipping now in the 8-inch pot.