Native to the wetlands of tropical America and naturalized across Asia, the Canna glauca produces gladiolus-like flower spikes in the summer. Its flowers can be red, salmon pink, yellow or burnt orange, on top of tall, erect stems. The maraca amarilla can’t grow in the shade and also requires moist soil.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Canna glauca is a species of the Canna genus, a member of the family Cannaceae. It is commonly known as water canna or Louisiana canna. It is native to the wetlands of tropical America and was introduced to England in 1730. It is also reportedly naturalized in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Java and the Philippines.
It is a perennial herb growing 3–6 feet (91–183 cm) tall. It has narrow, blue-green (glaucous) leaves, atop of which sit its large, delicate, and pale yellow flowers.
The species prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The preferred soil is acid, neutral and basic (alkaline). It cannot grow in the shade and requires moist soil. It is hardy to zone 10 and is frost tender. In the north latitudes it is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen in October.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
As a full sun plant, maraca amarilla needs sufficient sunlight during the growth period and requires 6-8 hours of sunlight in the summer. Insufficient sunlight will delay blooming. To extend blooming, place it in a cool place without direct sunlight.
Temperature
Maraca amarilla is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it prefers a warm, humid, sunny and well-ventilated environment. It likes moist soil, and some varieties can even be planted in the water. It is resistant to high temperatures, but cannot be exposed to blazing sunlight and dry conditions. It is not cold-resistant and should be kept away from the wind. It performs well at high temperatures and can thrive at 32 ℃. Its suitable growth temperature is 16 to 30 ℃, and the ambient temperature should not be lower than 10 ℃. It can overwinter in some warm regions.
Watering
Although maraca amarilla likes wet soil, some varieties cannot withstand being waterlogged for long, because this can lead to root rot. Generally, watering is required once a week in areas where rainfall does not exceed 2.5 cm per week. The roots of newly planted maraca amarilla have not yet developed and its ability to absorb water is poor, so less watering is required, but the soil should not be completely dry.
Keep the soil moist during vigorous growth and blooming, especially in hot, dry weather and fast evaporation of summer. At this time, lack of water will keep the flowers from emerging from the leaves. At ordinary times, water can be sprayed to leaf surfaces to keep high air humidity.
Soil
Maraca amarilla is not very fussy about soil, but its first choice is slightly acid humus soil that is rich in organic matter, wet, loose, fertile, and well-drained. Before planting maraca amarilla in the garden, dry the plot to make sure there is no accumulated water. Add organic medium, and use compost, peat moss, and bark to elevate the ground 5 to 8 cm. Mix soil with garden soil, river sand, organic fertilizer, etc. to ensure the soil is loose, fertile, and well-drained.
Fertilizing
Maraca amarilla likes fertile soil. In addition to the base fertilizer applied during planting, it should be watered with organic fertilizer water once a week before it blooms. Do not pour fertilizer on its stem or leaves. If the blooming time is near and the flower stem has not grown out, spray phosphate fertilizer to promote the growth of the flower stem.
Fertilization can be added monthly using compound fertilizer with N-P-K 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 according to the package. Maraca amarilla in gardens may absorb excessive nitrogen fertilizer; too much nitrogen can cause the leaves to flourish but inhibit blooming. When flower buds start to appear, it’s time to apply phosphate fertilizer to support blooms.
Planting Instructions
Maraca amarilla can be planted only when the weather is warmer. plant it after the last frost in spring, when the soil temperature rises to 16 ℃ or above. Dig a 10 to 13 cm hole in the soil and place a single rhizome in the hole with the bud eye upwards. Cover it with a layer of compost and soil, compact the soil gently, and water thoroughly. Space plants at 30 to 61 cm according to the possible growth height of the variety.
Pruning
When the flowers begin to fade and wither, they should be cut to avoid excessive consumption of nutrients. Take care not to destroy the healthy parts of the plant. Before the leaves turn yellow, they continue to provide nutrients to the plant. When the leaves turn yellow, the whole plant can be cut back for re-germination in the next year.
Propagation
Before sowing, cut open the seed coat to reveal its light-colored embryo. Soak in warm water (about 27 ℃) overnight and sow the seeds in a well-drained medium. In cold areas, sow indoors in winter. Let the seedlings grow indoors and transplant them outside when the weather is warmer.
Maraca amarilla can also be propagated by ramet and rhizome division. It grows rapidly and requires rhizome division in 3-4 years. After the spring frost, the rhizome can be divided into chunks of 2-3 buds on each. plant buds upwards. For dense clumps, cut ramets in the cool weather of early summer or in the evening. Dig out the stock plant, clear the soil off its root system and straighten it to avoid intertwining the roots. Cut the stock plant and ramets vertically with a sharp knife. Reserve some soil on the roots of each ramet, and avoid damaging the roots, branches, and leaves during cutting.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant maraca amarilla is in the late summer to early fall (S3-S4) when the plant is most dormant. This is ideal as the shock to the plant is minimized. Ensure a sunny location, preferably with well-drained soil, for optimal growth. Friendly tip: water the plant well after transplanting to help establish roots.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Harvested flowers and leaves can last one or two weeks. Select straight, long, healthy branches and cut them 30 cm away from the plant to avoid damage to the root system. After the above-ground part withers, the tuber will germinate new plants in the next year. In cold areas, rhizomes need to be dug up and stored after the first frost for re-planting the next year.
