SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF CANNA.
In the following list of the species and varieties of Canna, the first thirteen kinds are considered species: but the finest kinds for garden use will be found among the Hybrids and Varieties.
Canna aurantiaca.—A vigorous kind, 6½ ft. or more in height, with large, broadly oval-lance-shaped leaves, of a pale green colour, slightly waved on the margin. Flowers with rose-coloured outer, and reddish inner, divisions, the upper lip being of an orange colour and the lower one yellow dotted with orange. Rhizome tuberous, with long subterranean shoots. Antilles.
Canna discolor.—One of the finest kinds, and, although it does not flower regularly in the open air, one of the most valuable on account of its foliage. The leaves are very large, broadly oval-oblong, the lower ones tinged with a blood-red hue, and the upper ones veined or streaked with purple. Stems reddish, stout, growing to a height of more than 6 ft. Flowers orange-red, with bright-red inner divisions. S. America.
Canna edulis.—A vigorous species, largely cultivated by the Peruvians for the sake of its edible roots, growing from 6 ft. to 7 ft. high, the stems tinged with deep purple. Leaves broadly oval-lance-shaped, green tinged with purple maroon. Flowers large: external divisions purple, upper internal division scarlet shaded with yellow, the lower one of an orange-red. S. America.
Canna flaccida.—A species remarkable for the great size of its flowers, which bear some resemblance to those of Iris Pseud-acorus. They are entirely yellow, flaccid, few in number, and very transitory. This is not a tall species, seldom exceeding 2 ft. 8 ins. in height. Leaves oval-lance-shaped, erect, glaucescent. South America. This species should not be confounded with the C. flaccida of Willdenow which is found on the shores of the Mississipi.
Canna Gaboniensis.—A species from the Gaboon River, with the habit of C. nepalensis. Rhizomes large and round; stalks green, large; leaves deep green lightly edged with purple, longish, acuminate; flowers medium-sized, clear orange; habit fine, special; height 5½ ft. to 6 ft.
Canna gigantea.—A robust kind, growing about 6½ ft. high. Flowers in summer, large and very handsome; external divisions orange red; internal ones deep purple-red; spathes reddish. Leaves more than 2 ft. long; stalks covered with a velvety down. S. America.
Canna indica.—Flowers in summer, tolerably large, irregular, in erect spikes; external divisions light yellow; upper inner divisions of a carmine-red; the lower one yellow dotted with carmine. Leaves large, alternate, oval-lance-shaped; the stalks sheathing at the base. Stems 3 ft. to 6 ft. high. A variety (C. i. superba) has much larger flowers of a scarlet colour. India. It is not nearly so useful or imposing in appearance as some of the newer hybrid kinds.
Canna iridiflora.—Flowers in midsummer, large, lively rose-colour, with a yellow spot on the lip; divisions of the calyx red, erect, oval-acute; spikes somewhat drooping, issuing several together from the same spathe. Leaves broadly oval-acuminate, slightly membranous at the margin, and having some hairs at the lower part of the midrib. Stems 6 ft. to over 8 ft high. Peru. A somewhat tender species, and although one of the finest, does not flower freely. To secure its blooming, the plants should be taken up towards the end of summer, potted, and kept in a hothouse through the winter. They should be watered moderately, and, treated in this way, will almost always begin to show flower in the ensuing spring.
Canna limbata.—This has numerous stems nearly 3 ft. high, and oblong-lance-shaped, acute leaves. Flowers in long loose spikes issuing from glaucous spathes tinged with red; outer divisions pale yellow; upper lip scarlet edged with a yellow margin; lower lip red, with golden reticulations. Brazil.
Canna musæfolia.—This species was formerly described in the English, Dutch, and German horticultural journals under the name of C. excelsa. It was named musæfolia by M. Année, who introduced it into France in 1858, from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the Musa or banana-tree. It reaches a height of more than 8 ft., and has green, downy stems, and very large, oval, green leaves. Flowers small, orange-yellow. It is a tender species without rhizomes, and requires to be kept constantly growing. Peru.
Canna nepalensis.—A variety of C. glauca (according to M. Chaté), introduced into France by M. Wallich, director of the Botanic Garden at Calcutta. About 6½ ft. high, with oval-lance-shaped glaucous leaves, narrowed at both ends. Outer divisions of flower greenish-yellow; inner ones, sulphur-coloured or light orange.
Canna purpurea spectabilis.—Rhizomes cylindrical. Stalks medium-sized, purple. Leaves deep greenish purple, fair size. Flowers small, scarlet. Rather uncommon; habit fine; height 6 ft. to 6½ ft. This is a very hardy species, and has given rise to all the varieties with red or striped leaves.
Canna Warscewiczii.—A very early-flowering species, easily raised from seed, and if sown early in spring, may be used for decorative purposes the same year. Stems numerous, reaching a height of somewhat over 3 ft. Leaves oval-elliptical, narrowed at both ends, and deeply tinged with dark purple. Flowers with brilliant scarlet inner divisions; outer ones purplish. S. America. There are many handsome varieties of this species in cultivation.
Canna Alfred Dumesnil.—Rhizomes clouded, elongated. Stalks medium thickness, deep greenish-purple. Leaves medium-sized, acuminate and erect, deep green striped with violet-purple. Flowers large, well-formed, scarlet. Free-flowering; height 3½ ft. to 4 ft.
Canna Annei.—A vigorous kind, with numerous stiff stems, of a sea-green colour, 6½ ft. high, and large green, glaucescent, oval-acute leaves, 2 ft. long by 10 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-formed, salmon-colour, continuing to appear from July until the first frosts.
Canna Annei-rosea.—Flowers late and scantily. Stems numerous, dark green with a reddish base, attaining a height of nearly 10 ft. Flowers small, carmine rose-colour. Leaves dark green, very narrow and pointed, erect, about 2 ft. 4 ins. long. Rootstock long, conical-cylindrical, reddish.
Canna Annei-bicolor.—A kind with rather thick green stems nearly 6 ft. high, with a violet-coloured base. Leaves light green, oval-acute. Flowers few, of medium size, orange-coloured; the two upper petals reddish. Rootstock of a violet colour.
Canna Annei-floribunda.—Resembles the type in habit and foliage, but is not so tall, is more free-flowering, and has yellow leaves.
Canna Annei-fulgida.—Stems small, of a dark-red colour, from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves deep purple, erect, 20 ins. long and 6 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-opened, orange-red. Very tender.
Canna Annei-marginata.—Stems of medium size, dark-red colour, and about 3½ ft. high. Leaves of a deep green with a dark-red margin. Flowers rather large, orange-red. (Considered an inferior variety.)
Canna Annei-discolor.—Stems five or six in number, vigorous and erect, of a uniform red hue, from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, erect, of a light-red colour, 2½ ft. long and 10 ins. wide. Flowers late and few, small, rose-coloured, tinged with yellow. Rootstock conical, very small and short, covered with violet scales.
Canna Annei-rubra.—Rhizomes of good thickness. Stalks medium thickness, purple. Leaves acuminate, deep green striped with purple, good size; habit fine. Flowers bright orange, well-formed. One of the most free-flowering Cannas. Height 6½ ft.
Canna atronigricans.—Stems of medium thickness, seldom exceeding 3¼ ft. in height. Leaves of a purplish shade passing into dark-red, of a deeper hue than those of C. nigricans. Flowers few, of a golden-brown colour. Rootstocks small and few, with reddish scales. A very handsome but tender kind.
Canna aurantiaca-splendida.—Stems green, downy, rather thick, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, 2 ft. 4 ins. to 2½ ft. long and 1 ft. wide, with very prominent membranes. Flowers in September, orange, well-formed, and of a good size. Rootstocks small. A very vigorous-growing variety.
Canna aurantiaca-zebrina.—Stems brown, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves of a light green, striped with fine violet bands, and 2 ft. in length by 10 ins. wide. Flowers very few, light red. Rootstocks few and short.
Canna Amelia.—Stems of a sea-green colour, nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves oval-acuminate, glaucous, and gracefully recurved. Flowers large, well-opened, of a golden yellow, spotted with orange-purple on all the petals. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical. Blooms abundantly and continuously from July till the first frosts.
Canna atropurpurea.—Stems very small and downy, of a reddish hue, and not exceeding 3¼ ft. in height. Leaves small, recurved, of an almost black colour. Flowers rather large, of a reddish golden-brown. Rootstocks small, cylindrical, closely crowded around the plant. This variety seeds well and freely.
Canna Abbé Rosier.—Stems green, nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves erect, of a glaucous sea-green shade. Flowers of medium size, light brown, tinged with vermilion, not well-formed, and opening badly. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical.
Canna Bonetti.—Stems vigorous, of a deep-red colour, glaucous towards the top, and about 8½ ft. high. Leaves deep green, with deep-red veins and edges, 2 ft. 4 ins. long, and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers rather large, yellowish-brown, shaded with dark purple, well-formed and well-opened. Rootstocks thick, elongated. Seeds freely and well.
Canna Bonetti-major.—Very like the preceding, but with much taller stems and larger leaves and flowers.
Canna Bonetti-semperflorens.—Stems brown, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, deeply tinged and margined with a dark-red shade. Flowers rather large, of a wine-red colour. A very free bloomer.
Canna Bourcier.—Stems brown, 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves long, lance-shaped, of a deep violet-red colour. Flowers of a brick-red shaded with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical, of medium size, violet-coloured.
Canna Bihorelli.—Stems purple, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves dark red, with a narrow purple margin. Flowers numerous, light red, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical and rather numerous.
Canna compacta-grandiflora.—Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves dark red, not well set. Flowers very large, well-formed, of a salmon-shaded-red, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical, rather large, covered with reddish scales.
Canna Chatei-discolor.—Stems purple, very robust, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves thick and firm, of a deep green, finely rayed and margined with purple. Flowers blood-red, well-formed. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. A very shy bloomer.
Canna Chatei-grandis.—Stems brownish-purple, 6½ ft. high, when not divided year after year. Leaves at first erect, afterwards deflected throughout their entire length and spreading very much, 2 ft. 4 ins. long and 1 ft. wide. Flowers late, crimson, in a handsome panicle. Rootstocks brown, conical, very short. Ripens its seeds well.
Canna Daniel Hooibrenk.—Rhizomes large. Stalks strong, green. Leaves large, glaucous-green, acuminate. Flowers large, bright orange. Free-flowering; fine habit Height over 6 ft.
Canna De Candolle.—Stems green, about 4 ft. high. Leaves green, badly set. Flowers very numerous, vermilion shaded with carmine. Rootstocks conical.
Canna discolor-floribunda.—Stems dark red, 3¼ ft. to 4¼ ft. high. Leaves oblong, 18 ins. long and 10 ins. wide, deep green striped with purple. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. Ripens its seeds well.
Canna Député Hénon.—Stems green, not exceeding 4 ft. 10 ins. in height. Leaves of a light glaucous-green, oval, acute, erect. Flowers large, well-formed, of a pure canary-colour, with a brownish-yellow base, in numerous spikes, which rise gracefully above the foliage to the height of about 20 ins. Rootstocks cylindrical, elongated, standing at some distance from the centre of the tuft. Ripens its seeds well.
Canna Edward Morren.—Rhizomes conical. Stalks green, numerous. Leaves clear green, longish. Flowers large, well-formed, yellow, very much spotted with bright nasturtium-colour. Very floriferous. This is the finest Canna with spotted flowers. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft.
Canna elata-macrophylla.—Stems reddish below, green and downy above, more than 8 ft. high. Leaves light green, very large, oval, slightly waved. Flowers salmon-coloured, small. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. Seeds freely.
Canna expansa.—Stems thicker than in any other variety, green, downy, 6 ft to over 8 ft. high. Leaves of enormous size (over 4 ft. long and from 22 ins. to 2 ft. wide), oval, obtuse, spreading horizontally to a great distance from the stems. Flowers small, vermilion shaded with salmon, in panicles. Roots fibrous. Should be planted in a well-sheltered position to save the huge leaves from being torn by the winds. Never seeds.
Canna expansa-rubra.—Stems numerous, vigorous, very thick, dark-red, 4 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves of a dark-red colour, and resembling those of the preceding in size, shape, and arrangement. Flowers large, with rounded divisions, of a dazzling purple colour. Rootstocks very thick, cylindrical, and much swollen in the upper part. Like the preceding, requires a sheltered position.
Canna elongatissima-rustica.—Stems deep-green, very thick, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, very large, of a deep shining green, with a narrow dark-red margin. Flowers very small, orange-rose-coloured. Rootstocks very small, conical, with fibrous roots. A vigorous-growing variety.
Canna excelsa-zebrina.—Stems dark violet-red, downy, rather thick, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, deep-green, passing into dark-red, rayed with violet-purple. Flowers small, orange. Rootstocks small, conical. This is the finest striped variety.
Canna guayaquilla.—Rhizomes large, round. Stalks very thick, reddish. Leaves very wide and large, bordered with purple. Flowers small, yellowish-orange. Rather uncommon; fine habit; a remarkable kind. Height over 6 ft.
Canna gigantea-major.—Stems thick and vigorous, of a light-green, slightly reddish below, 6½ ft. to 8½ ft. high. Leaves very large, of a light glistening green. Flowers, medium size, pale-red. Rootstocks whitish, very thick, cylindrical, and swollen. A very hardy variety.
Canna gigantea-rubra.—Stems dark red, 4 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves broad, obtuse, green, shaded with dark-red. Flowers blood-red, in panicles. Rootstocks conical, very closely crowded together. Resembles C. Chatei-grandis, but is an inferior variety.
Canna grandis.—Stems green, downy, very thick, from nearly 10 ft. to nearly 12 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, deep green, very large. Flowers poppy-red, small, but in large panicles. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots.
Canna grandiflora-floribunda.—Stems small, from 20 ins. to 3¼ ft. high, of a light glistening green. Leaves small, light-green and glistening. Flowers numerous, very large, with rounded divisions, orange-rose colour, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks yellowish, numerous, cylindrical, of medium size. A very hardy variety, of great effect from its brilliant and luxuriant inflorescence.
Canna Heliconiæfolia.—Stems deep green and downy, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, oval, erect, very firm. Flowers small, orange. Roots fibrous. Does not seed before the second year.
Canna Hostei.—Stems chestnut-coloured, about 8 ft. high. Leaves dark-red, lance-shaped. Flowers large, red. Rootstocks dark-red, conical.
Canna involventiafolia.—Stems green, 8 ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves very large, reflexed, of a light green. Flowers few and small. Rootstocks small, with fibrous rootlets.
Canna Imperator.—Stems vigorous, very thick, green and downy, reddish below, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. at the close of the season. Leaves half-opened, lance-shaped, light green, with prominent lateral nerve, 2 ft. 4 ins. long by 14 ins. wide. Flowers late, very effective, of a dazzling blood-red. Rootstocks conical, very short.
Canna iridiflora-hybrida.—Stems green, downy, somewhat reddish below, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, very large. Flowers well-formed, very large, blood-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots. Flowers to most advantage in a house, where it is really magnificent.
Canna iridiflora-rubra.—Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves deep green shaded with dark red, and with a narrow dark purplish-red margin. Flowers large, purplish-red. This variety is not so tender as the preceding one.
Canna insignis.—Stems violet, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves oval, extending horizontally, of a tender green, rayed and margined with purplish-red. Flowers few and small, of an orange-red. This variety is valuable for its fine foliage.
Canna Joseph-Auzende.—Stems green, 4½ ft. high. Leaves green and flaccid. Flowers deep carmine, of medium size. Rootstocks yellowish, small and conical. Not a very good variety.
Canna Jean Bart.—Rhizomes conical; stalks medium thickness, deep green, elongated. Flowers very large, deep purple; height 5½ ft. to 6 ft.
Canna Jean Vandael.—Rhizomes cylindrical, longish; stalks medium thickness, numerous, clear green. Leaves clear green, erect, elongated. Flowers large, well-formed, garnet-red; height 4 ft. to 4½ ft.
Canna Jussieu.—Stems green, from nearly 4 ft. to 4¼ ft. high. Leaves small, glaucous-green. Flowers citron, approaching a chamois-colour. Rootstocks conical cylindrical. (An inferior variety.)
Canna Krelagei discolor.—Stems very thick, from nearly 5 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves broad and thick, dark-red, rayed with purplish-red. Flowers large, carmine-red, sometimes rayed with white, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks grey, conical.
Canna Liervalii.—Stems dark-red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves of the same colour, rayed with purple. Flowers orange-red. Rootstocks dark red, conical.
Canna Lavallei.—Stems slender, purplish-brown. Flowers very large, well-formed, vermilion-orange, becoming yellower as they open. Rootstocks cylindrical.
Canna Lemoinei.—Stems green, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very leathery, of medium size, and deep green colour. Flowers bright orange.
Canna limbata-major.—Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves large, lance-shaped, narrow, spreading, deep green, 2½ ft. long, and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers large, orange-red. Rootstocks cylindrical, narrowed towards the top, closely crowded together. Ripens its seeds freely.
Canna maxima.—Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves very large, lance-shaped, acute, light green, becoming darker in the course of growth, reflexed, from 2½ ft. to 32 ins. long, and 10 ins. to 1 ft. wide, on stalks 6 or 7 ins. long. Flowers small, orange-yellow. Roots fibrous, without rootstocks. Does not flower before the second year, and is valuable only for its foliage.
Canna Maréchal-Vaillant.—Stems robust, from 5 ft. to 6 ft. high. Leaves oblong, lance-shaped, erect, 28 ins. to 32 ins. long, deep green, striped with purplish-red. Flowers large, elegant, of a pure orange, in handsome spikes. Rootstocks rather thick, conical and cylindrical, standing at some distance from the tuft.
Canna musæfolia-peruviana.—Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves very large, wide, light green. Flowers small, orange. Rootstocks very small.
Canna musæfolia minima.—Leaves of a whitish green, badly set. Flowers small, orange-brown. No rootstocks.
Canna musæfolia-hybrida.—Resembles C. musæfolia, but the stems and leaves are thicker and of a deeper green.
Canna musæfolia-rubra.—Stems dark red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves dark purple-red, oval, very large. Flowers small, salmon-red. Rootstocks very tender, with fibrous roots. Neglected as too tender and not sufficiently distinct from several other varieties, such as C. Chatei-grandis, etc.
Canna musæfolia-perfecta.—Stems from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, very firm, of a handsome whitish green. Flowers small, yellow. Roots fibrous, without rootstocks.
Canna metallica.—Resembles C. nigricans, and has never justified its name.
Canna macrophylla-zebrina.—Stems violet and downy, 4 ft. to over 5 ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed and striped with purple. Flowers red, with a perennially withered aspect. Rootstocks very small, conical, closely set round the tuft. This variety is very subject to diseases.
Canna metallicoides.—Stems violet, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves of medium size, dark-red striped with purple. Flowers medium size, light-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots.
Canna nervosa.—Stems reddish, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves deep green, rayed and margined with purple. Flowers small, blood-red. Rootstocks conical.
Canna nigricans.—Stems purplish-red, 4¼ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, acuminate, erect, of a coppery red, which exhibits a metallic gleam under sunshine. The old leaves lose their reddish tint, and assume a duller hue. They are 2½ ft. in length by 10 ins. or 12 ins. wide. Flowers few and late, of a sad, tawny-yellow colour. Rootstocks brownish, conical. Seldom seeds. One of the finest kinds.
Canna nana-superba.—Stems green, growing very closely together, and from 20 ins. to 32 ins. high. Leaves small, of a handsome green. Flowers large, badly formed, of a brick-red, becoming darker as they open. Rootstocks grey, small, conical (A very inferior variety.)
Canna nepalensis-grandiflora.—Has the same habit and foliage as the type (C. nepalensis), but is a dwarfer variety with better-shaped flowers of a sulphur-yellow, sometimes dotted with red.
Canna Oriflamme.—Rhizomes conical, stalks deep green. Leaves good size, elongated, acuminate, deep green lightly striped. Flowers very large, deep orange, in panicles which stand up considerably above the foliage. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft.
Canna Pie IX.—Stems small, green, slightly reddish below, 3¼ ft. to 4 ft. high. Leaves small, of a pale glaucous-green, erect, lance-shaped, acuminate. Flowers large, light yellow with a deep orange claw, very numerous, in closely-crowded panicles. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical. Excellent for edgings.
Canna Parmentier.—Stems small, green, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves glaucous-green, small. Flowers brownish-yellow. Rootstocks grey, conical and cylindrical. (An inferior variety.)
Canna purpurea-hybrida.—Stems dark-red, from 4½ ft. to over 5 ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed with reddish-purple. Flowers large, brownish-yellow. Rootstocks small, conical, crowded. A very handsome variety, but tender.
Canna Porteana.—Stems small, dark-red, 3¼ ft. to 4 ft. high. Leaves red, with a metallic lustre. Flowers medium-sized, light orange. Rootstocks grey, small, forming a close, compact tuft. A fine but tender variety.
Canna picturata-fastuosa.—Stems numerous, green, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves green, glaucescent, narrow, much pointed, over 2 ft. long by 6 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-opened, light yellow speckled with red. Blooms luxuriantly and continuously from the end of July to the first frosts. Rootstocks white, with grey scales, cylindrical, much elongated.
Canna picturata-nana.—Stems small, green, from 20 ins. to 2 ft. high. Leaves very small, of a light green. Flowers large, yellow, spotted with red. Rootstocks whitish, small, conical. A charming variety for edgings.
Canna Plantieri.—Stems very thick, reddish below, deep green above, 3¼ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, glaucous, lance-shaped, acute. Flowers large, bright yellow, changing to orange. Rootstocks greyish, rather thick, conical and cylindrical. A late and shy bloomer.
Canna Prémices-de-Nice.—Stems and leaves like those of C. Annei, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Flowers very large, bright yellow, sometimes dotted with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical, rather shorter than those of C. Annei. A very free-flowering and hardy variety.
Canna rubra-superbissima.—Stems dark purple-red, very thick, from nearly 6 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, round, purplish-red, with a metallic lustre. Flowers of medium size, light orange-red. Rootstocks brownish, very thick, conical, crowded together. One of the finest metallic-red-leaved Cannas.
Canna rubricaulis.—Stems dark-red, from nearly 6 ft. to 7½ ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed and margined with purple-red. Rootstocks greyish, small, conical. (Inferior to the preceding variety.)
Canna rubra-nerva.—Stems dark-red, from 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves long and narrow, lance-shaped, reflexed, dark-red rayed with purple. Flowers large, of a cinnabar red. Rootstocks dark-red, very long, conical, and cylindrical. Resembles a weeping willow.
Canna rubra-perfecta.—Stems dark-red, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, orange-red. Rootstocks dark-red, conical. Seeds freely.
Canna rotundifolia-vera.—Stems very thick, green, downy below, from 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves round, reflexed, of a deep glistening green. Flowers medium-sized, opening very badly, of a carmine-red. Rootstocks medium-sized, conical. (A tender variety.)
Canna rotundifolia-rubra-major.—Stems dark-red, numerous, very thick, vigorous, from 3¼ ft. to 5¼ ft. high. Leaves round, obtuse, spreading almost horizontally, pale-red, with a dark purplish-red midrib and border. Rootstocks dark-red, very thick, cylindrical, much swollen above.
Canna rotundifolia-metallica.—Similar to the preceding, but with coppery-red leaves which have a metallic lustre.
Canna Rendatleri.—Stems light purplish-red, of medium thickness, vigorous, rather distant from each other, from nearly 6 ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves much pointed, deep-green tinged with dark-red, badly set. Flowers numerous, very large, well-opened, salmon-red. Rootstocks greyish, conical, cylindrical. Ripens its seeds badly.
Canna Rodezii.—Stems small, numerous, from 4 ft. to 6¼ ft. high. Leaves green, glaucous, lanceolate, acute, very narrow. Flowers large, marigold-orange. Rootstocks whitish, cylindrical, very slender and long. A variety desirable for its flowers, but not ornamental in foliage.
Canna Thibauti.—Stems purplish-brown, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, thick, dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers very large, well-opened, poppy-red, in crowded panicles. Rootstocks white, small, crowded together.
Canna striata.—Stems green, slender, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves small, very narrow, erect, glaucous-green. Flowers yellow, speckled and rayed with red. Rootstocks small, cylindrical, crowded at the base of the plant. Inferior to C. picturata-nana of the same colour.
Canna Warscewiczioides-Chatei.—Stems dark-red, thick, from 6½ ft. to over 7 ft. high. Leaves very large, dark-red. Flowers small, blood-red, in very large panicles. Rootstocks brown, rather thick, cylindrical.
Canna Warscewiczioides-nobilis.—Stems deep-green, tinged with dark-red, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and margined with dark-red. Rootstocks medium-sized, conical, crowded around the base of the plant.
Canna Van-Houttei.—Stems dark-red, vigorous, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, pointed, green, rayed and margined with dark purplish-red, 2 ft. to 2½ ft. long. Flowers large, well-formed, poppy-red. Rootstocks grey, long, cylindrical. A very handsome and hardy variety.
Canna zebrina.—Stems green, tinged with dark-red, small, from 32 ins. to 3¼ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and striped with dark-red. Flowers small, orange tinged with salmon. Rootstocks whitish, conical. A tardy grower.
Canna zebrina-major.—Stems green tinged with dark-red, downy, of medium size, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, deep-green, rayed and striped with dark purplish-red. Flowers very small, red. Rootstocks brown, rather thick, conical, swollen.
Canna zebrina-elegantissima.—Stems dark-red, vigorous, 4 ft, to 5 ft. high. Leaves very large, lance-shaped, deep-green, striped with dark purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, yellowish-brown tinged with scarlet. Rootstocks greyish, conical, swollen.
Canna zebrina-géant.—Stems deep-green, tinged with violet-red, very thick, downy. Leaves very large, thick, deep-green, rayed with dark-red. Flowers large, light-red. Rootstocks whitish, conical, closely crowded together. Difficult to flower, but very ornamental in foliage.
Canna zebrina-violacea.—Stems violet, downy, slender, about 4 ft. high. Leaves violet, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, bright-red. Roots fibrous. A very tender variety, with badly-developed leaves.
Canna zebrina-nana.—Stems green tinged with dark-red, 16 ins. to 20 ins. high. Leaves small, light-green, rayed and margined with purple. Flowers of medium size, light-red. Rootstocks small, crowded on one another. Excellent for large edgings.
Canna Ferrandii.—Stems dark purplish-red, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves medium-sized, dark-red, margined with purple. Flowers large, blood-red, very numerous, in handsome panicles.
Canna Auguste Ferrier.—Stems green, very thick, downy, nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, pointed, deep-green, with narrow stripes and margin of dark purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, orange-red. Rootstocks small, but very hardy. A shy bloomer, but of remarkably fine habit and foliage.
Canna Barilletti.—Stems red, vigorous, nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves very large, deep-red. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks very small, conical, with fibrous roots.
The number of Cannas enumerated is so large that it is desirable to make a selection from them. A still narrower selection is indicated by asterisks.