Canna Lily vs Parsley

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Parsley (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Parsley
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Cannaceae	Apiaceae
Category	flowers	herbs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1'
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Yellow-green (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Parsley

Yes — 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.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

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 Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Canna LilyProfile →View ParsleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Parsley?

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

Are Canna Lily and Parsley deer resistant?

Neither Canna Lily nor Parsley 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 Parsley?

Both Canna Lily and Parsley 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	Parsley
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Cannaceae	Apiaceae
Category	flowers	herbs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1'
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Yellow-green (second year)
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.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

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 Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Parsley?

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

Are Canna Lily and Parsley deer resistant?

Neither Canna Lily nor Parsley 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 Parsley?

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