Canna Lily vs Creeping Thyme

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Creeping Thyme

Thymus serpyllum

Lamiaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Creeping Thyme (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Creeping Thyme
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Thymus serpyllum
Family	Cannaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Poor
Height	6'	3"
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Pink, Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Creeping Thyme

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Creeping Thyme

✓Needs excellent drainage.
✓Don't over-fertilize — poor soil is fine.
✓Shear after flowering.
✓Plant between stepping stones for a fragrant pathway.

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 Creeping Thyme if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 4–8.

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

View Canna LilyProfile →View Creeping ThymeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canna Lily and Creeping Thyme grow in the same hardiness zone?

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Creeping Thyme grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Canna Lily and Creeping Thyme have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Creeping Thyme?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Creeping Thyme at 3". Canna Lily spreads 2' while Creeping Thyme spreads 1' 6".

Are Canna Lily and Creeping Thyme deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Creeping Thyme?

Both Canna Lily and Creeping Thyme 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	Creeping Thyme
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Thymus serpyllum
Family	Cannaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Poor
Height	6'	3"
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Pink, Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe
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.

Creeping Thyme

✓Needs excellent drainage.
✓Don't over-fertilize — poor soil is fine.
✓Shear after flowering.
✓Plant between stepping stones for a fragrant pathway.

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 Creeping Thyme if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 4–8.

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 Canna Lily and Creeping Thyme grow in the same hardiness zone?

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Creeping Thyme grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

Do Canna Lily and Creeping Thyme have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Creeping Thyme?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Creeping Thyme at 3". Canna Lily spreads 2' while Creeping Thyme spreads 1' 6".

Are Canna Lily and Creeping Thyme deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Creeping Thyme?

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