…September: summer fades to fall.…

     Featured Plant of the Month: Longwood Canna, Canna glauca x C. generalis hybrids

• Garden Location: Rose Garden, Pond, Water Garden, Propagation Pond

• Distinguishing Features: The water-loving Longwood Canna produces beautiful blooms in September despite the shorter days and cooler temperatures. Unlike other Canna varieties which are water-tolerant but primarily terrestrial plants, Longwood Canna was bred specifically for use in water. It is identifiable by its blue-green, narrow foliage and pointed leaf tips. Each Longwood Canna plant produces multiple upright, purple-hued stalks which support blooms ranging in color from red to pink. Its thin, curved petals are similar to lily blossoms and appear until the first fall frost.

• Growth and Maintenance: Longwood Cannas range in height from 2 to 6 feet with a spread of 2 to 3 feet. It typically grows as an annual in Colorado, but can act as a perennial if grown in warmer climates or if transplanted to a greenhouse before the first frost. Although Longwood Canna is a true water plant, it can be grown as terrestrially with well-saturated soil. When grown in a pond or water feature, Longwood Canna should be placed in a large, well-drained pot with the crown of the plant either even with or slightly below the surface of the water. It should be pruned throughout the growing season to encourage re-blooming, although caution should be used with pruning cuts as new blooms often grow adjacent to spent blossoms. Longwood Canna grows optimally with a time-released fertilizer throughout its blooming season.

Pampas Grass
Erianthus ravennae
The Inn, Oval Garden, Demonstration Gardens, Pond

Impatiens
Impatiens spp.
The Inn

Colorado Blue Spruce
Picea pungens ‘Moorheim’
Conifer Grove

California Fuschia
Epilobium canum
Rock Garden, Garden Railroad, Demonstration Gardens

Assorted Water Lilies
Nymphaea spp.
Water Garden, Pond, Propagation Pond, Rose Garden

Prairie Winecup
Callirhoe involucrate
Rock Garden, Demonstration Gardens

All photos by The Hudson Foundation