All About Growing the Bandanna of the Everglades

The bandanna of the Everglades, also known as golden canna, is from the canna family of plants. It is native to the United States. Botanically, it is known as Canna flaccida.

Bandanna of the Everglades Description

This perennial flowering plant grows to four feet high. There are large leaves, one to two feet long, with a round or lance-like growth. The top leaves are smaller than bottom leaves. Flowers have modified stamens that look like iris petals with three green sepals and three petals that are green-yellow. These are all formed together into a tube. Bloom season is between May and August.

Growing Guide

Plant this perennial in full sun with a wet soil. It is an aquatic plant that is both cold and heat tolerant. Propagate by seed, offshoots, or by clump division. Collect seed pods near the mature dry stage.

Distribution of Canna flaccida

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. It is seen in swamp margins, marshes, and in wet ditches.

Uses for the Bandanna of the Everglades

This makes for a great bog or water garden plant and it works for soil erosion. It is also a host plant for skipper butterfly caterpillars.

General Plant Maintenance

Stalks that are spent should be removed so that new blooms are encouraged to grow. It will need to be cut back after the first frost.

This is a nice plant with large foliage and interesting flowers to have in a wet or soggy area of the yard.

Source: NPIN