Canna Tropicannas growing in Phoenix, Arizona

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This winter I cut the Canna Tropicannas completely to the ground. I have to admit that it was kind of sad to see so much empty space for a while, but it was also true that the cannas had really gotten out of control. I will make a note to do this again in another year or so.

These cannas, which extend well beyond the photo, were started with six bulbs three years ago. Like all bulbs, they reproduced and spread. In fact, they had completely blocked off that little path there that you see that let me get behind the palm trees, so this year I'm digging them out if they get too close. I also dug a bunch out in the path behind that leads to the water timers, which were virtually blocked last summer. I don't think I have to worry about them coming back strong with plenty of coverage. In fact, I've filled a bucket full of bulbs that are sitting out in my courtyard.

The area there in front of the cycad gets an awful lot of reflected heat, and I haven't decided what to plant there yet. I will let you know!

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