Basil vs Canna Lily

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

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Lamiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Basil (Zones 2-11)

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Basil	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Canna × generalis
Family	Lamiaceae	Cannaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	2'	6'
Spread	1'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Basil

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

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 Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 7–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View BasilProfile →View Canna LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 11.

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

Basil 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, Basil or Canna Lily?

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

Are Basil and Canna Lily deer resistant?

Neither Basil nor Canna Lily is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Canna Lily?

Both Basil 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	Basil	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Canna × generalis
Family	Lamiaceae	Cannaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	2'	6'
Spread	1'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

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 Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 7–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 11.

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

Basil 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, Basil or Canna Lily?

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

Are Basil and Canna Lily deer resistant?

Neither Basil nor Canna Lily is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Canna Lily?

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