Canna brasiliensis

The name "Canna brasiliensis" refers to a form of canna native to tropical South America, particularly Brazil, now generally treated by botanists as part of Canna indica in the broad sense. This rhizomatous herbaceous perennial forms a clump of broad, lance-shaped leaves, deep green sometimes tinged bronze, on stems reaching 1.5-1.8 m tall. From summer to autumn it bears clusters of asymmetrical, iris-like flowers in red and yellow or orange. It grows best in full sun on rich, moist soil, and is frost-tender, requiring winter protection or lifting in cold climates.