Boxwood vs Canna Lily

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Canna × generalis
Family	Buxaceae	Cannaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	6'
Spread	8'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

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 Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

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. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BoxwoodProfile →View Canna LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

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

Boxwood needs part shade to 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, Boxwood or Canna Lily?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Canna Lily at 6'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Canna Lily spreads 2'.

Are Boxwood and Canna Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Canna Lily?

Boxwood has medium maintenance while Canna Lily has low maintenance. Canna Lily may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Canna × generalis
Family	Buxaceae	Cannaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	6'
Spread	8'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Green	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

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 Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

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. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

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

Boxwood needs part shade to 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, Boxwood or Canna Lily?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Canna Lily at 6'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Canna Lily spreads 2'.

Are Boxwood and Canna Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Canna Lily?

Boxwood has medium maintenance while Canna Lily has low maintenance. Canna Lily may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.