Bengal Tiger Canna

Canna x generalis 'Bengal Tiger'

flower

Bengal Tiger, also sold as Pretoria, is one of the most dramatic foliage cannas, grown as much for its leaves as its flowers. Each big, paddle-shaped leaf is boldly striped in green and golden yellow with a thin maroon edge, and the strong stalks rise four to six feet, topped in summer with vivid orange flowers that hummingbirds love. Cannas are tender, rhizomatous perennials that deliver instant tropical, jungle-like drama in a single season, perfect at the back of a sunny border, in big containers, or beside water. In frost-free climates they stay in the ground; everywhere colder they are lifted and stored over winter or grown as an annual splurge.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Garden Gladiolus — A fellow tender summer bulb with the same sun and rich-soil needs for a bold, tropical-look planting
• Dahlia — Another dramatic tender tuber that pairs for a hot-colored summer border
• Elephant Ears — Big bold foliage that amplifies the jungle effect in the same moist, sunny bed

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Canna leaf roller →

  The main canna pest - caterpillars that glue the new leaves shut and chew them - unroll and remove them, cut out badly damaged growth, and treat with Bt; clean up debris in fall to reduce overwintering

• Japanese beetles →

  Chew holes in the leaves - hand-pick into soapy water in the cool morning

• Slugs →

  Rasp the lush foliage in damp weather - hand-pick at night and reduce moist hiding spots

• Canna rust →

  Orange pustules on leaves in warm humid weather - give airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves

🌸 Blooms & cutting

Canna is grown for its bold foliage and flowers in the garden rather than for cutting, though the dramatic striped leaves and orange blooms can be used in large tropical arrangements. The real seasonal task in cold climates is the fall dig-and-store: after frost blackens the tops, cut them down, lift the rhizomes, dry them, and overwinter them cool and dry, then replant in spring. Through summer, snap off the spent flower stalks to keep new blooms coming, and divide crowded rhizomes when you replant.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

An ornamental tender perennial grown for bold tropical foliage and summer flowers. The orange flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. Non-toxic and safe around pets and children.