Australia Canna Lily (Canna 'Australia') | Dark Leaf Red Canna

Australia Canna Lily

5 Gallon

$69.00

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Australia Canna Lily

Canna 'Australia'

A dramatic canna lily with stunning dark burgundy-black foliage and vibrant bright red flowers, perfect for tropical borders and containers.

$69.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Canna 'Australia' is a dramatic, award-winning canna lily prized for its spectacular, dark burgundy-black foliage and vibrant, large, fiery red flowers. This striking tropical perennial forms a bold, upright clump of enormous, paddle-shaped, veined leaves in a deep, rich, near-black shade of burgundy-maroon. From midsummer through early autumn, it produces tall spikes of showy, iris-like, bright red flowers with contrasting golden-orange throats, creating a stunning, high-impact display that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Exceptionally heat and humidity tolerant, it is an outstanding choice for tropical borders, mass plantings, bog gardens, containers, and as a dramatic focal point in sunny landscapes.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Large, paddle-shaped, deeply veined, dark burgundy-black to maroon-black leaves; tall spikes of large, iris-like, bright red flowers with golden-orange throats, blooming from midsummer through early autumn .
Mature Height: 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) .
Mature Spread: 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m) (spreads slowly by rhizomes) .
Growth Rate: Fast .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-11 (lift in winter for zones 3-6) .
Light Requirement: Full sun (essential for best foliage color and flowering) .
Core Benefits: Stunning dark burgundy-black foliage, vibrant bright red flowers, fast-growing, attracts hummingbirds, heat and humidity tolerant.
Best Uses: Tropical borders, mass plantings, bog gardens, containers, accent plant, cutting gardens, pollinator gardens.

Q: How is 'Australia' different from other Canna Lilies?
A: It is prized for its extremely dark, deep burgundy-black to maroon-black foliage and vibrant, bright red flowers, creating one of the most dramatic color contrasts among cannas.

Q: When does it bloom?
A: It blooms from midsummer through early autumn, producing bright red flowers for several months.

Q: How do I overwinter it in cold climates (USDA zone 6 and below)?
A: After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut the stems back to 4-6 inches. Dig up the rhizomes, let them dry for a few days, and store them in a cool (40-50°F), frost-free location in barely moist peat moss or sawdust.

Q: Can it be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for large containers on patios and decks, where its dark foliage can be appreciated up close. Use a large pot with drainage holes and rich, well-draining potting mix.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, the large, bright red, nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best leaf color?
A: For the deepest, darkest burgundy-black foliage, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). In partial shade, the foliage will be greener.