Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Hardy Water Canna, Alligator Flag

Description:

This evergreen, marginal aquatic plant forms a clump of long-stalked blue-green and chartreuse leaves, on dark red stems; produces slender stems with small clusters of purple flowers in summer; great for rich, wet soils, or on a pond perimeter

Ornamental Features

Red Stemmed Thalia features dainty spikes of violet flag-like flowers at the ends of the stems in mid summer, which emerge from distinctive deep purple flower buds. Its attractive large oval leaves remain bluish-green in color with distinctive chartreuse veins throughout the year. The dark red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes

Red Stemmed Thalia is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Red Stemmed Thalia is ideally suited for growing in a pond, water garden or patio water container, and is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Water Gardens
• Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Red Stemmed Thalia will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the water. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. As an aquatic plant, it requires a suitable water garden environment and will benefit from special planting and ongoing care practices; consult one of our in-store experts for further details and instructions. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.