Question
I recently bought cannas for the first time. I have been getting beautiful blooms, and many. I decided to trim the dead foliage around bottom of plant (in planters) and now the stems and leaves fall. Was I not to do this? what can fix it? will it be ok?
Thank you.

Crystal

Answer
Hi Crystal,
Thanx for your question.  I generally don't bother much with trimming cannas unless there is a really dead looking leaf and still I usually leave them alone.  Just be careful not to cut away the dead material too close to the main stem.  When you say the stems and leaves fall does that mean the plant is collapsing completely?  If so, you must have damaged the main growth.  Cut it back to the ground and allow the rhizome to send up new growth.  Cannas are heavy feeders so feed it with an all purpose liquid fertilizer, fish emulsion or you can use Miracle Grow, following the directions on the package.  Your canna should be fine. I hope this helps.
Tom