Canna Lily vs Gerbera Daisy

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Gerbera Daisy (Zones 8-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 8–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Gerbera Daisy
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Gerbera jamesonii
Family	Cannaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	South Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Gerbera Daisy

No — EdibleYes — 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.

Gerbera Daisy

✓Crown rot is the biggest killer — plant high with crown above soil level.
✓Excellent container plant.
✓Remove spent stems at base.
✓Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

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 Gerbera Daisy if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 8–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 8–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Canna LilyProfile →View Gerbera DaisyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canna Lily and Gerbera Daisy grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Canna Lily and Gerbera Daisy have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Gerbera Daisy?

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

Are Canna Lily and Gerbera Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Gerbera Daisy?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Gerbera Daisy
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Gerbera jamesonii
Family	Cannaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	South Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

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.

Gerbera Daisy

✓Crown rot is the biggest killer — plant high with crown above soil level.
✓Excellent container plant.
✓Remove spent stems at base.
✓Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

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 Gerbera Daisy if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 8–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 8–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canna Lily and Gerbera Daisy grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Canna Lily and Gerbera Daisy have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Gerbera Daisy?

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

Are Canna Lily and Gerbera Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Gerbera Daisy?

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