When does Canna indica bloom?

Canna indica typically flowers from June through September, producing spikes of red blooms through most of the summer.

What pollinators visit Canna indica?

Hummingbirds and bees are the most frequent visitors, drawn to the bright, tubular flowers held above the foliage.

How much water does Canna indica need?

This plant prefers consistently moist to wet soil and grows well at pond edges, in rain gardens, or in low spots that stay damp through summer.

How much light does Canna indica need?

Full sun brings out the best flowering and foliage color, though it will tolerate part sun with somewhat reduced bloom.

Is Indian Shot HOA-friendly?

Indian Shot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Indian Shot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Canna indica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Indian Shot (Canna indica) is a perennial forb. It blooms in June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees.

Indian Shot (Canna indica) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–72" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees

Native alternatives to Indian Shot

Indian Shot is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Canna indica is a tall perennial with broad tropical-looking leaves and showy orange or red flowers that bloom from summer through early fall. This vigorous plant forms clumps and requires consistent moisture to thrive in full sun locations.

Growing Indian Shot

Grow Indian Shot in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Indian Shot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very tropical appearance may seem out of place
Can spread aggressively and look overgrown
Dies back dramatically in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The bright tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and also draw bees during the long blooming season from June through September.

Common questions

When does Canna indica bloom?: Canna indica typically flowers from June through September, producing spikes of red blooms through most of the summer.
What pollinators visit Canna indica?: Hummingbirds and bees are the most frequent visitors, drawn to the bright, tubular flowers held above the foliage.
How much water does Canna indica need?: This plant prefers consistently moist to wet soil and grows well at pond edges, in rain gardens, or in low spots that stay damp through summer.
How much light does Canna indica need?: Full sun brings out the best flowering and foliage color, though it will tolerate part sun with somewhat reduced bloom.
Is Indian Shot toxic to dogs?: Indian Shot is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Indian Shot toxic to cats?: Indian Shot is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Indian Shot HOA-friendly?: Indian Shot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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