Pollinator Native

Southern Marsh Canna

Canna flaccida

$16.00
1 Gallon USDA Zones 8–11 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 3–5 Feet

The wild golden canna of the Southern marshes, Canna flaccida lifts large, soft yellow, orchid-like flowers above broad tropical foliage all summer.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.

Canna flaccida is the wild golden canna of the Southern coastal plain, a native perennial with the broad, light green, tropical-looking leaves of the genus and large soft yellow flowers held above them in summer. Where the heavy garden cannas read as bedding, this species keeps a looser, wilder grace, the petals thin and almost orchid-like, opening in the morning and lasting a day.

In the wild the plant runs through marsh edges, ditches, and shallow water, spreading freely by rhizome in moist to wet ground, yet it takes ordinary garden soil in stride as long as the roots do not bake dry. Plant Canna flaccida in a sunny, damp spot, a pond edge, a rain garden, a bog, or simply a bed that stays moist, and the yellow flowers will draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds through the heat of summer. One of the parents behind the garden cannas, and a graceful native in its own right.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 8–11
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Moist, Wet
Mature size
Height 3–5 Feet · Spread 2–3 Feet
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Dies back, depends on zone
Design Notes

Use Canna flaccida where the soil stays damp and the bold foliage and yellow flowers can do tropical work in a native planting: a pond edge, a rain garden, a bog, a ditch, or a sunny bed that never dries. The rhizomes run freely in wet ground, so give room or a contained spot, and pair with other moisture-lovers such as swamp milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, and iris. The summer-long bloom feeds bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; cut the old foliage to the ground after frost.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

yellow, summer

Flower. Large and soft yellow, the thin petals almost orchid-like and held well above the foliage through summer, each bloom opening in the morning and lasting a day, in long succession. A draw for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Foliage. Broad, light green, tropical-looking leaves, the lush canna paddle carried on tall upright stems.

Habit. A spreading rhizomatous perennial, three to five feet, running freely in moist to wet ground and dying back to the root over winter.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to part shade; sun brings the most flowers.

Soil. Rich, moist to wet ground; thrives at a pond edge or in shallow water and takes ordinary garden soil if kept moist.

Water. Generous; never let the roots bake dry, and tolerant of standing water.

Pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom; cut the foliage to the ground after frost.

Hardiness. Root-hardy through about USDA Zones 8 to 11, dying back over winter; lift and store the rhizomes farther north, or grow as an annual.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.