Canna 'Paton'

A few weeks ago I got a couple of tropical cannas on clearance, and potted them up. They're both doing well, but one of them is doing a little better than the other, and has put up its first new flower stalk. (I expect the other one to do the same as I can see several developing, but they're not quite there yet.)

So today, a look at these beautiful blooms produced by Canna 'Paton'.

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There's no detectable scent to these, and I don't see bees going to them, but I did see a hummingbird at them yesterday. It may have only been an exploratory visit, so I'll keep my eyes open for repeat visits. The flowers are so pretty though, even if nobody uses them as a food source I'd still grow them.

The foliage is so nice too -- erect and glaucous.

I never thought I'd turn into a tropical plant guy, but it seems that every year I'm adding more and more plants that I need to overwinter inside somehow, either by storing tubers or bulbs, leaving the plant semi or completely dormant in my garage, or keeping cuttings growing under lights. This plant is now added to that list.

The extra effort is worth it though if the plant is as rewarding as this one is. Canna 'Paton' is one of my favorite additions to the garden this year!

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