Here in the North, we can grow daylilies to our hearts’ content. They’re hardy and reliable and we can count on them even when winters are frigid and spring is slow to come. But even though we’re devoted to daylilies, sometimes we can’t help it if another plant catches our fancy, like the flamboyant canna lily and its understated cousin, the calla lily. Can we grow cannas and callas in the North and add those colorful blooms to our gardens? Yes, we can!

Here’s a horticultural secret (okay, maybe not all that secret)… Cannas and callas aren’t actually lilies. And, unlike our trusty, cold-hardy daylilies, cannas and callas are quite the opposite—not cold hardy at all. That doesn’t mean we can’t grow these eye-catching beauties, it just takes a bit of knowledge.

Success with cannas and callas

Luckily for us, the basics of growing cannas and callas are similar, so you’ll able to grow both once you master the steps. Both cannas and callas grow on rhizomes, and because they aren’t hardy in our region, you’ll need to overwinter them indoors. This requires cutting back the plants in the fall and digging up the rhizomes for indoor storage. (A cool, dry place is ideal—just don’t let them freeze.) When spring comes and the danger of frost is past, you can return the rhizomes to your garden and plant them approximately 5 inches deep and 8 inches apart. If you want, you can start them in pots before transplanting or you can wait to plant in the garden once the temperatures are sufficiently warm.

Here’s a key tip: both cannas and callas love the sun. In order to thrive and produce the best blooms, they need access to full sun. (Callas are small enough to grow indoors, but if you do, just remember that they’ll need to be in a spot soaked in sunshine.)

But there’s more to growing cannas and callas than just making sure they have sun. They’re also particular about their soil conditions. They like rich soil that’s kept nicely moist, so water regularly to keep them happy.

Cannas or callas? Or both?

If you like eye-catching, show-stopping flowers that demand attention in the garden, then you’ll gravitate to the cannas. They have the size (they can reach 6 feet tall!) and a vibrant range of colors that definitely make a statement in the garden.

On the other hand, if you prefer plants that are more compact and not quite as gregarious, callas might be your best bet. While they are found in a variety of colors, the blooms are commonly white. They’re much smaller than cannas and are more at home in containers, so if space is a consideration, choose callas. Important note: callas are considered poisonous to pets. On a brighter note, callas are extremely pollinator friendly, so if you’re looking to attract pollinators to your garden, including callas is a smart choice.

Cannas and callas make a glorious addition to any garden, even here in the North. You, too, can enjoy these beautiful plants in your garden. Have fun!

NOTE FROM MSHS: Want to grow your own cannas and callas? Find four varieties of calla lilies at our booth at the 2023 Minneapolis Home + Garden Show—Calla Airbrush®, Calla Alaska®, Calla Dallas® and Calla Red Charm®, all just $6.50 each.

Samantha Johnson is the author of several books, including Garden DIY, (CompanionHouse Books, 2020). She lives on a former dairy farm in northern Wisconsin with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Peaches and frequently writes about pets, gardening and farm life.