Red King Humbert

Canna Red King Humbert bulbs, known for their exotic, tropical appearance and striking red-orange blooms, are relatively easy to plant and grow.

• Begin by choosing a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
• Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Plant the bulbs in spring, once the danger of frost has passed, at a depth of 4-6 inches and spaced 18-24 inches apart.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage robust growth and vibrant blooms.
• Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming, and cut back foliage after the first frost in the fall.
• In colder climates (USDA climate zones 6 or below), lift and store the bulbs indoors for winter to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Canna Red King Humbert bulbs typically bloom in late spring to early summer, with the flowering season extending until the first frost in fall. The exact blooming time may vary depending on your location and growing conditions. Cannas in general are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, so if you live within these zones you’re able to plant Cannas earlier in the season. In colder regions it is best to wait till the frost has passed.

These striking plants produce tall stalks adorned with large, brightly colored flowers that create a stunning display in the garden. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead the spent flowers regularly, which will promote the growth of new flower stalks.

Canna Red King Humbert bulbs are not completely deer-resistant, but they are considered to be deer-tolerant. This means that while deer may nibble on the plants occasionally, they are not particularly attracted to them, and the damage is often minimal.

To further deter deer from your garden, consider interplanting Canna Red King Humbert with other deer-resistant plants, such as lavender, salvia, or Russian sage. Additionally, you can use physical barriers like fencing, or apply deer repellents to protect your plants from deer browsing.

In regions with freezing winter temperatures, Canna Red King Humbert bulbs should be lifted and stored indoors to protect them from the cold. After the first frost has killed the foliage, cut back the stems to about 6 inches above ground level.

Carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them. Gently shake off any excess soil, and allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area for a few days. Store the bulbs in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a basement or garage, with temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C). You can place the bulbs in a box or container filled with slightly moistened peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust to prevent them from drying out completely. Check on the bulbs periodically during storage and remove any that show signs of rot or mold.

In USDA hardiness zones 7 and up, you can leave the Red King Humbert canna in the ground and just add an extra layer of mulch during the colder months.