Water Plants

Thalia dealbata

Water canna

Thalia dealbata

Broad blue-green leaves and airy purple flower sprays make a bold vertical accent at a pond edge. Although called water canna, this wetland perennial is a Thalia, not an ordinary garden Canna.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Pond placement: Pond margin or large bog container.
Water depth: 12–18 in. of water above the crown.
Winter care: Protect the crown from freezing. Use 18–24 in. of water over the crown in winter, or move to frost-free storage.
Mature size: 3–6 ft. tall × 3–6 ft. wide
Water: Wet soil or shallow standing water
Bloom: Purple; summer.

The crown is where stems emerge from the roots; keep it at the stated water level.

Sizes & prices

6"$25.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Resistant to deer browsing; not deer-proof.
Wet soil: Naturally suited to wetland conditions.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Native range

Native range / parentage: Native to southern North America.

Water garden care

Planting method: Aquatic basket for pond-edge planting; keep spreading roots contained.
Spread: Use a large basket and divide crowded rhizomes.
Pruning: Remove dead leaves and flower stalks.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0

Reviewed September 27, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.