Canna altensteinii

A huge, luxuriant tender perennial up to 3m (9ft) with bright green foliage and vibrant orange flowers in summer. Exotica for the summer garden. They’re surprisingly good in breezy places – particularly roundabouts in Normandy. A fine site.

For best results, plant cannas in a warm, sunny position in rich, moist soil. Dig up in the autumn and store roots in dry peat in frost-free conditions over winter, in colder areas.