Canna indica, the Indian Shot, is a magnificent exotic flower that is found in South America, the Caribbean, Africa and tropical Asia. This tropical beauty can reach 2.5 meters high. The plant blooms in July and the inflorescence persist until November. It is made up of a group of huge red flowers, each blending tints of orange, yellow and even purple. These flowers appear at the top of a long and rigid stem, greenish-purple. The foliage is very similar to the one of the banana tree. The leaves usually measure less than one meter and have different tints from green to purple. It will take several years before the plant produces flowers. Hardiness zones 8-11 (-10øC/15øF, 4øC/40øF) in winter. The foliage does not resist to frost. The plant can still survive if it loses its leaves, they will grow back in spring. A healthy Canna can support a temperature as cold as -12øC. The ideal climate for culture is hot and dry. Canna indica adapts easily to a tempered climate if planted in direct soil. Placed outside, it supports well a full-sun, but mid-shade is better if cultivated in a glasshouse or a veranda. This plant can survive long periods of dryness, but a more regular watering will make the foliage more stunning.