Canna Lily vs Japanese Painted Fern

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Japanese Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum

Athyriaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Japanese Painted Fern (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Japanese Painted Fern
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Athyrium niponicum
Family	Cannaceae	Athyriaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	None
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Japan, East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Japanese Painted Fern

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.

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.

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 Japanese Painted Fern if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Canna LilyProfile →View Japanese Painted FernProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canna Lily and Japanese Painted Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Canna Lily and Japanese Painted Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Canna Lily needs full sun and medium to high water, while Japanese Painted Fern 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 Japanese Painted Fern?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Japanese Painted Fern at 1' 6". Canna Lily spreads 2' while Japanese Painted Fern spreads 2'.

Are Canna Lily and Japanese Painted Fern deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Japanese Painted Fern?

Both Canna Lily and Japanese Painted Fern 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	Japanese Painted Fern
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Athyrium niponicum
Family	Cannaceae	Athyriaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	None
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Japan, East Asia
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.

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.

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 Japanese Painted Fern if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canna Lily and Japanese Painted Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Canna Lily and Japanese Painted Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Japanese Painted Fern?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Japanese Painted Fern at 1' 6". Canna Lily spreads 2' while Japanese Painted Fern spreads 2'.

Are Canna Lily and Japanese Painted Fern deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Japanese Painted Fern?

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