Camellia vs Canna Lily

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

Camellia

Camellia japonica

Theaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Camellia (Zones 7-9)

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Camellia	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Camellia japonica	Canna × generalis
Family	Theaceae	Cannaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	10'	6'
Spread	6'	2'
Bloom Season	Winter-Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Camellia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

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 Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

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 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View CamelliaProfile →View Canna LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Camellia grows in USDA zones 7-9, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Camellia needs part shade 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, Camellia or Canna Lily?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Canna Lily at 6'. Camellia spreads 6' while Canna Lily spreads 2'.

Are Camellia and Canna Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Camellia or Canna Lily?

Camellia 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	Camellia	Canna Lily
Scientific Name	Camellia japonica	Canna × generalis
Family	Theaceae	Cannaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	10'	6'
Spread	6'	2'
Bloom Season	Winter-Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

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 Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

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 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Camellia grows in USDA zones 7-9, while Canna Lily grows in zones 7-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Camellia needs part shade 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, Camellia or Canna Lily?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Canna Lily at 6'. Camellia spreads 6' while Canna Lily spreads 2'.

Are Camellia and Canna Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Camellia or Canna Lily?

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