Question
Is it possible to simply bring the potted, trimmed back Canna into my 50 degree crawl space and let it go dormant over the winter? Would I need to water it at all? Then it's all ready to go early in Spring in a sunny, indoor location to get a head start on the growing season. Is it really necessary to take it out of the pot, clean it & store it in a bag or peat?
Thank you for you advice.

Answer
Hi Pat,
Thanx for your questions.  If you are in a USDA Hardiness Zone cooler than Zone 7, your cannas probably will not overwinter successfully.  If they are in pots, allow the first frost to kill off the foliage, cut it off a few inches above the soil and you can store the pots in your crawl space as long as it does not freeze there.  You do not need to water.  If the rhizomes are in the soil, you'll have to dig them up, brush off excess soil but do not wash as this could cause rot.  Store the rhizomes in the crawl space in some straw.  As long as it doesn't freeze, most of the rhizomes will make it until spring.  Do not plant them outdoors until the soil is sufficiently warm (about 70癋/24癈).  If in pots, do not put outdoors until night time temps are above 50癋/10癈.  I hope this helps.
Tom