Asiatic Lily vs Canna Lily

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Asiatic Lily

Lilium asiaticum

Liliaceae · bulbs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Asiatic Lily (Zones 3-8)

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Asiatic Lily	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Lilium asiaticum	Canna × generalis
Family	Liliaceae	Cannaceae
Category	bulbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	6'
Spread	1'	2'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Orange, Red, Yellow, Pink	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Asiatic Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Asiatic Lily

✓Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in fall or spring.
✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Leave foliage to die naturally.
✓Divide every 3-4 years when crowded.

Canna Lily

✓Dig rhizomes before frost in cold climates.
✓Full sun and rich soil for best performance.
✓Keep well watered.
✓Divide overcrowded clumps in spring.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Asiatic Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Canna Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium to high water in zones 7–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Asiatic LilyProfile →View Canna LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Asiatic Lily grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Asiatic Lily needs full sun and medium water, while Canna Lily needs full sun and medium to high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Asiatic Lily or Canna Lily?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Asiatic Lily at 3'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Asiatic Lily spreads 1'.

Are Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily deer resistant?

Asiatic Lily is deer resistant, but Canna Lily is not. If deer are a concern, Asiatic Lily is the better choice, or protect Canna Lily with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Asiatic Lily or Canna Lily?

Both Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Asiatic Lily	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Lilium asiaticum	Canna × generalis
Family	Liliaceae	Cannaceae
Category	bulbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	6'
Spread	1'	2'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Orange, Red, Yellow, Pink	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Asiatic Lily

✓Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in fall or spring.
✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Leave foliage to die naturally.
✓Divide every 3-4 years when crowded.

Canna Lily

✓Dig rhizomes before frost in cold climates.
✓Full sun and rich soil for best performance.
✓Keep well watered.
✓Divide overcrowded clumps in spring.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Asiatic Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Canna Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium to high water in zones 7–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Asiatic Lily grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Asiatic Lily needs full sun and medium water, while Canna Lily needs full sun and medium to high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Asiatic Lily or Canna Lily?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Asiatic Lily at 3'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Asiatic Lily spreads 1'.

Are Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily deer resistant?

Asiatic Lily is deer resistant, but Canna Lily is not. If deer are a concern, Asiatic Lily is the better choice, or protect Canna Lily with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Asiatic Lily or Canna Lily?

Both Asiatic Lily and Canna Lily have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.