Care of exotic perennials

Ruth sets her cannas and dahlias up for summer

- Ruth Hayes

WHILE I love growing native flowers and filling the garden with pastel hues and delicate grasses, I can’t resist the exotic allure of dahlias and cannas.

I’m obviously not alone in this as they are two of the most popular summer varieties, and with good reason.

Dahlias are loved for their infinite variety of heights, shapes and colours, while cannas add height to the centre of borders, their colourful broad leaves as much a talking point as their sturdy stems holding fiery red, yellow and orange blooms.

Despite their exotic appearance, canna lilies are fairly problem-free, though they do suffer from slug and snail attacks so protect them with wool pellets. They can also contract a virus that is incurable, meaning plants should be removed and destroyed.

Cannas thrive in sheltered, fertile soil in full sun or light shade and if happy, will quickly grow large. Dahlias and cannas flower into the autumn, bringing long-lasting colour and interest.