Part of my hydroculture experiments, the canna is growing in scoria medium. It is growing well, though it seems to be smaller than similar types that I have seen growing in soil. However, they may simply be older plants.
Next year I think I will add some of those mahogany coloured nasturtiums. They should do well in the same conditions as the canna and the colours will complement each other.
Originally I had intended to paint the urn with very fine marbled veins in olive, charcoal and light coral - similar colours to those in the canna leaves. Now I think it looks better simply in black.
Here is a close up of the canna's beautiful leaves.