Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Canna × generalis
Cannaceae · flowers
Gardenia jasminoides
Rubiaceae · shrubs
Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)
Gardenia (Zones 8-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 8–11
| Feature | Canna Lily | Gardenia |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Canna × generalis | Gardenia jasminoides |
| Family | Cannaceae | Rubiaceae |
| Category | flowers | shrubs |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ⛅ Part Shade |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium to High | 💧💧 Medium |
| Soil | Rich, Moist | Rich, Acidic, Moist |
| Height | 6' | 6' |
| Spread | 2' | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Summer-Fall | Late Spring-Summer |
| Bloom Color | Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink | White |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Medium |
| Native Region | Tropical Americas | East Asia |
| Maintenance | Low | High |
Canna Lily
Gardenia
Canna Lily
Gardenia
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 Gardenia if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 8–11.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 8–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.
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