Area of origin: South America
Adult dimensions: Height up to 2m, width up to 1.50m
Foliage: Deciduous
Soil type: Any type
Hardiness: Hardy to -4°C
Exposure: Full sun
Density of plantation: 3 plants/m²
Properties and uses:
The Achira, or Canna edulis, comes from Peru. This large tropical perennial is quite decorative with its foliage made of large purplish-green palm leaves, as well as with its large red flowers in long spikes. The Achira blooms from late summer to autumn.
In the regions with mild winters, it is possible to plant it directly into the soil, but where winters are colder, it is recommended to cultivate it in pots that can be wintered in a cold greenhouse or a conservatory.
Apart from its decorative aspect, it is also possible to eat the rhizomes (root) raw or cooked. Their taste is quite similar to the artichoke or parsnip.