The virus just streaks or splotches the leaves, almost like they're variegated when they shouldn't be. The virus normally doesn't kill or harm the plant here in the south. As it gets hot and the plants grow, the virus may go dormant and the plant will be fine. The virus won't be gone. But the symptoms of it will disappear with the heat.

I have seen some cannas with the virus and the leaves are just beautiful. I've been told that in some plant species, a virus is introduced to get the variegation we crave in our plants.

Dixie

Thank you for your information. Now I will feel better!

Nancy

ACK! Wish I'd read this post before pulling out and tossing a canna yesterday that I suspected of having mosaic. I'll know better in the future. Thanks for the info., Dixie.

I've also read that the variegation in plants is caused by a virus. Rivers can you not go get your plant and replant it? They're pretty tough so unless you took it off somewhere it should be ok.

Nancy

Yes, that's true, sometimes a virus is introduced in some plants to get the variegation we seek.

Also, if you don't want to spread the virus from canna to canna, you need to sterilize your garden tools when working with the cannas. For instance, carry a bucket of bleach water with you as you trim back the cannas. Trim one, then sterilize your clippers. Then trim the next one, and sterilize again. If you're a hobbyist, it's simple, but if you grow cannas on a large scale, it's often too much trouble.

Dixie

Nancy, I wish I could replant it but it got picked up by the city with the rest of the yard waste. They come around every other week to collect organic 'trash'. Oh well, this gives me an excuse to go out and buy a replacement.

Here you go ... I would strongly recommend destruction or quarantine of the infected plant.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:531047}}

Also ... for anyone considering the idea to just let it go or they well "grow out of it" .. read the bold portion of this link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Canna Virus and Agriculture