James Plant of Month

Canna Lilly

Something customers ask for frequently, and is one of the hardest challenges to provide here in North County, is a planting that can help create a tropical look. Related to banana trees, The Canna Lily has giant, bold leaves that are shiny green, bronze, or even striped.  These plants rise reliably from dormant rhizomes each spring (they die down in winter). By July their fresh growth reaches upwards in heights of possibly eight feet depending on variety (there are dwarf types also 2-3 ft). Their leaves alone add a dramatic impact. But to top them off literally, large flowers in bold vibrant colors of red, yellow, pink, orange, and salmon perch on top of each shoot.  These blooms burst forth just in time for the summer heat and have a long bloom time. They are also a good solution for narrow planting areas; or in a difficult area, say a west facing garage wall or when backed by tall fencing. They are considered a bog plant as well for wet areas. (Caution: too much dampness can cause rot in winter).

Fellow Hometown Nurseryman Susan says, “this is one of those showy plants you cansee from across the street.” So, if your garden is lacking that cooler, refreshing ambiance that big leafed plants and flowers provide, consider Cannas.  Come check out our choices. And, while you are in the nursery, we can show you some other plants that help create that effect as well.

Got Bugs? 

Ron Says…

Spring is over and summer has arrived. In the last few months we have worked hard getting our plants in the ground. Weeding and feeding our gardens and battling insects for control of our veggies and ornamentals. I hope you were successful, but with hotter weather we must be vigilant. July brings out the pests. Along with aphids, you will see increasing populations of fleas, ticks (which can carry Lyme Disease), ants, mosquitoes and more. These annoying insects breed in your lawn, near faucets, irrigation valves and anywhere there’s adequate water and protection from the sun. Unfortunately, these also like to follow us into our homes, and if they gain a foothold, they are difficult to eliminate. So now is the time for action. Eliminate any habitat they find appealing (i.e., standing puddles or tall grass). Also get a bottle of Ortho Max Lawn & Garden Insect Killer concentrate. It will kill those pests trying to move in and those looking for a free lunch in your garden. Apply it today and prevent uninvited guests from moving in!

  * Kills over 150 types of insects.
* Provides up to 6-week residual control.
* Guaranteed to kill insects or your money back!
Use on Roses and other ornamentals; Listed vegetables and fruit trees (see label); Trees and shrubs; Lawns; Around house foundations, porches, patios and stored lumber