Canna Lily vs Coleus

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides

Lamiaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Coleus (Zones 10-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Coleus
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Coleus scutellarioides
Family	Cannaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	2'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Blue (insignificant)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeast Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Coleus

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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

Choose Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Canna LilyProfile →View ColeusProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Coleus grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Coleus?

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

Are Canna Lily and Coleus deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Coleus?

Both Canna Lily and Coleus 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	Canna Lily	Coleus
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Coleus scutellarioides
Family	Cannaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	2'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Blue (insignificant)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeast Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

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.

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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

Choose Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Coleus grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Coleus?

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

Are Canna Lily and Coleus deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Coleus?

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