Canna Lily vs Penstemon

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Penstemon

Penstemon digitalis

Plantaginaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Penstemon (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Penstemon
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Penstemon digitalis
Family	Cannaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	6'	3'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Early Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	White, Pink, Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Penstemon

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.

Penstemon

✓Excellent drainage essential — root rot is the main killer.
✓Don't over-fertilize or overwater.
✓Cut back after first flush for possible rebloom.
✓Short-lived but self-seeds.

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 Penstemon if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low 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 PenstemonProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Penstemon?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Penstemon at 3'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Penstemon spreads 1' 6".

Are Canna Lily and Penstemon deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Penstemon?

Both Canna Lily and Penstemon 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	Penstemon
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Penstemon digitalis
Family	Cannaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	6'	3'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Early Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	White, Pink, Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	North America
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.

Penstemon

✓Excellent drainage essential — root rot is the main killer.
✓Don't over-fertilize or overwater.
✓Cut back after first flush for possible rebloom.
✓Short-lived but self-seeds.

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 Penstemon if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low 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 Penstemon grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Penstemon?

Canna Lily grows taller at 6' compared to Penstemon at 3'. Canna Lily spreads 2' while Penstemon spreads 1' 6".

Are Canna Lily and Penstemon deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Penstemon?

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