Canna Lily vs Lavender

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Lamiaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Lavender (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Lavender
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Lavandula angustifolia
Family	Cannaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Sandy
Height	6'	2'
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lavender

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Lavender

✓Requires excellent drainage — add sand or gravel to heavy soils.
✓Prune after flowering but never into old wood.
✓Avoid overhead watering.

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 Lavender if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Canna LilyProfile →View LavenderProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Lavender grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Lavender?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Lavender at 2'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Lavender spreads 2'.

Are Canna Lily and Lavender deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Lavender?

Both Canna Lily and Lavender 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	Lavender
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Lavandula angustifolia
Family	Cannaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Sandy
Height	6'	2'
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Mediterranean
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.

Lavender

✓Requires excellent drainage — add sand or gravel to heavy soils.
✓Prune after flowering but never into old wood.
✓Avoid overhead watering.

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 Lavender if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Lavender grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Lavender?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Lavender at 2'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Lavender spreads 2'.

Are Canna Lily and Lavender deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Lavender?

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