MULCH CANNA

Canna are luxuriously exotic plants in summer, with large leaves and hot-coloured flowers, but when it comes to wintry conditions they need a little help – they’re not frost hardy and many gardeners lift and store canna indoors in a frost-free spot, or bring pots into the conservatory, for example. In sheltered, more mild spots you can leave them outdoors in the ground provided you treat them to a hefty mulch of compost to protect their rhizomes. Ensure this is about 10cm (4in) thick. With potted plants, wrap fleece around them too, if they’re exposed.