Canna Robert Kemp

Canna ‘Robert Kemp’ is a bold, classic canna that brings instant “tropical holiday” energy to the garden. It produces strong, upright stems topped with vibrant blooms in rich, warm shades (often fiery orange-red) that stand out brilliantly against the lush, banana-like foliage. This variety is perfect for adding height and drama to borders, and it’s especially effective planted in groups or used as a statement plant in a large patio pot.

Cannas are made for summer—give ‘Robert Kemp’ plenty of sunshine, rich soil, regular watering and a steady feed, and it will reward you with a long season of flowers right up until the first frosts. It’s also ideal for exotic-style planting schemes alongside Dahlias, Bananas (Musa), Colocasia and ornamental grasses.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Cannas in spring. If supplied as a rhizome, you can start it off indoors in a pot from March onwards for a head start, then move outside once the risk of frost has passed. If planting outside, wait until late spring when the soil has warmed.

Where to Plant:
Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered position with rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Cannas are perfect for exotic borders, large containers and tropical-style planting. They love heat and perform best in full sun.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant rhizomes about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) deep, with the growing points facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space 40–60 cm (16–24 inches) apart, depending on the size and effect you want.
• Soil Prep: Improve soil with plenty of well-rotted compost or manure. In heavy soils, add grit to improve drainage.

Watering:
Water well after planting and keep soil evenly moist through the growing season. Cannas are thirsty plants, especially in pots, so don’t let them dry out in hot weather.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed regularly through summer (weekly in pots) to encourage strong growth and continuous flowering.
• Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants tidy and promote more flowers.
• In autumn, after the first frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back and either lift and store rhizomes frost-free or move containers into a protected place.
• Start watering again in spring when growth resumes.

Top Tip:
For a bigger, earlier display in the UK, start Canna ‘Robert Kemp’ in a pot indoors, then plant out once nights are mild—it’ll flower sooner and put on a stronger show.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

July - October (until first frosts)

Height:
48–60" (120–150cm) (approx. depending on conditions)

Position:
Full sun, sheltered

Tender Perennial:
Overwinter frost-free in the UK