The canna, sometimes called a canna lily (although it is not related to the lily), is a tropical plant with foliage as gorgeous as its flowers. In nature, canna grows in bogs and ponds. Durban is a canna cultivar that will grow to 7 feet tall and bloom in spikes of fiery red flowers. Durban's foliage, in true canna fashion, is striking, with thin white stripes that turn orange as the plant ages. Canna Durban is hardy to USDA zones 8 through 11. You can purchase canna Durben in 2 gallon containers online and in gardening centers and nurseries as the weather begins to warm. Plant the canna Durban in full sun.
Prepare the planting area by digging up a 1-foot square area. Crush the soil so that there aren’t any clumps larger than your fist.
Spread a 4-inch layer of compost over the area and use the shovel to mix it into the top 8 inches of soil.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the nursery pot in which the canna Durban is growing. Make the hole twice the diameter of the pot.
Remove the canna Durban from the nursery pot. If you have trouble removing it, lay the pot on its side and gently roll it side to side, pressing on the side of the pot. Inspect the root ball and if there are roots tightly wound around it, gently loosen them with your fingers.
Place the roots of the canna into the hole and fill the hole with soil.
Water the canna until the water puddles. When it drains, water it again. Press the soil around the base of the plant to remove any air pockets.
Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch over the soil. Keep it 2 inches away from the base of the canna and spread it in a 1-foot radius around the plant.