Canna Lily vs Hollyhock

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Hollyhock
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Alcea rosea
Family	Cannaceae	Malvaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	6'	8'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	China, Turkey
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Hollyhock

Yes — 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.

Hollyhock

✓Plant against a wall or fence for wind protection.
✓Prone to rust — space for air circulation.
✓Self-seeds prolifically.
✓Biennial but self-sows to seem perennial.

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 Hollyhock if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

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 HollyhockProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Hollyhock grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Hollyhock?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Canna Lily at 6'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Canna Lily spreads 2'.

Are Canna Lily and Hollyhock deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Hollyhock?

Both Canna Lily and Hollyhock 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	Hollyhock
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Alcea rosea
Family	Cannaceae	Malvaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	6'	8'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	China, Turkey
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.

Hollyhock

✓Plant against a wall or fence for wind protection.
✓Prone to rust — space for air circulation.
✓Self-seeds prolifically.
✓Biennial but self-sows to seem perennial.

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 Hollyhock if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

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 Hollyhock grow in the same hardiness zone?

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Hollyhock grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Hollyhock?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Canna Lily at 6'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Canna Lily spreads 2'.

Are Canna Lily and Hollyhock deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Hollyhock?

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