Canna Lily vs Impatiens

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Cannaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	East Africa
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

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.

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

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 Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full 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 ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Impatiens?

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

Are Canna Lily and Impatiens deer resistant?

Neither Canna Lily nor Impatiens 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 Impatiens?

Both Canna Lily and Impatiens 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	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Cannaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	East Africa
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.

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

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 Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full 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 Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Impatiens?

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

Are Canna Lily and Impatiens deer resistant?

Neither Canna Lily nor Impatiens 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 Impatiens?

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