Constitution

Canna 'Constitution'

(French Group)

Origin ARMSTRONG Robert, 1978
Parentage unknown
Height Medium, over 3ft/90cm
Foliage Dark
Form Branching
Flower Pink
Blooming Good bloomer
Flowering Early summer to frosts
Tillering Slow
Available Specialist

Introduced by Dr. Robert J. Armstrong of Longwood Gardens, USA, Canna 'Constitution' is a medium sized cultivar; bronze foliage, oval-acuminate shaped, acute apex, branching habit; oval main stems, coloured purple; clusters of flowers are open, self-coloured pink (RHS 54C), throat cream, staminodes are large, edges irregular, stamen is yellow with pink markings, petals green, fully self-cleaning, good bloomer, flowers in early summer until frosts, blooms open in the early morning; fertile both ways, not self-pollinating or true to type, capsules globose; rhizomes are thick, up to 3 cm in diameter, coloured white and pink; tillering is average.

Canna 'Constitution' is available from specialist growers.

Originally bred for its ability to tolerate Conservatory heat and moisture conditions, but prospers just as well outdoors in the border.

References

Plant Introductions, Robert J. Armstrong Geneticist Longwood Gardens 1967-1999

Light coral-pink flowers, red-green foliage.

Plant Delights Nursery, Inc., 2000

We are thrilled to be able to offer what we think is one of the most “designer friendly” Cannas that we have ever grown. Instead of the typical gaudy colors that we love, this sweetie from the famed Longwood Gardens breeding program is quite the opposite. The narrow foliage is a mysterious grey-purple color, making a perfect foil for the rich creamy light pink flowers that top the clump. While this 5 feet tall clump is a good grower, it is not as fast to multiply as are most other Cannas. ($25) ($18 in 2002)

Ian Cooke, The Gardeners Guide to Growing Cannas

(M) The flowers of this exquisite cultivar are the palest of powder pink with large, overlapping petals with a slight ‘nick’ at the end. The centre warms to a mellow cream. All this is set off by muted pewter-bronze foliage. This is just the plant for those who complain that Cannas are all brash and gaudy! It was raised by Longwood Gardens and first flowered in 1978. Not as yet widely available.

The Canna Company Catalogue (Ian Cooke) Feb 13 2002, Internet

(M) Pale powder-pink, well filled flower with a cream centre. Muted pewter-bronze foliage. A lovely combination.

Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, Summer 2002, Internet

Lovely gladiolus-like flower the color of soft baby-girl, bluish pink; its burgundy green leaves have a definite greyish cast; one of Longwood Gardens hybrids; self-cleaning; 3-4 ft.23 1 for $5, 5 for $20

KAVB International Canna Checklist, September 2004

Origin: Longwood Gardens, USA. Narrow foliage, grey-purple. Creamy light pink flower. (Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, North Carolia, USA. 5 Feb 2002). Main colour of flower spinel red (RHS 54C), leaf green with a red glow at the edge, hybridized by R.J. Armstrong, USA and registered by: Longwood Gardens, USA

Claines Canna Collection 2006

Summary: Pewter-bronze foliage, capped by powder pink flowers with large, overlapping petals having a slight nick at the end. The throat is a mellow cream, and the two colours blend-in. Size: Medium Flower: Powder pink with large, overlapping petals having a slight nick at the end. The throat is a mellow cream, and the two colours blend-in. Foliage: Pewter-bronze foliage. Origin: Longwood Gardens, 1978. 

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