Canna (variety Pretoria aka Bengal Tiger)

Hardy to Zone 7
Bloom Time - Summer
Color - Orange (other varieties in red, yellow, pink)
Foliage - Variegated (yellow & green)
Size - 5-6 ft.
Exposure - Full sun
Culture - Cannas are widely grown in northern Alabama despite the fact that they are tropical plants. I've never known many gardeners who actually dig them up for the winter and they always seem to come back the following year. This is probably due to to our mild winters. At least mulch them well if you decide to leave your cannas in the ground! Cannas are easy to grow but difficult plants to place in non-tropical gardens because they tend to stick out like a sore thumb. They are dramatic plants which should be placed with care. And be warned, they multiply like rabbits! I've found that the best way to display cannas, especially unusual varieties like Bengal Tiger, is to grow them in pots. They can be moved to the basement or garage for winter storage (just cut off the foliage and throw it in the compost pile). They make wonderful showings on patios or decks and around pools. Keep them watered well and fertilize sparingly and you will be rewarded with dramatic foliage and hot colors throughout the summer. They will need to be divided at least every two years (if not every year!)

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