Canna Lily vs Sweet Pea

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Sweet Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Cannaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	6'
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sweet Pea

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.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

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 Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Canna LilyProfile →View Sweet PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canna Lily and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 11.

Do Canna Lily and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Sweet Pea?

Both Canna Lily and Sweet Pea reach approximately 6' in height, with spreads of 2' and 1' respectively.

Are Canna Lily and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Sweet Pea?

Canna Lily has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Canna Lily may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Cannaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	6'
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

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.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

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 Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Canna Lily and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 11.

Do Canna Lily and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Canna Lily or Sweet Pea?

Both Canna Lily and Sweet Pea reach approximately 6' in height, with spreads of 2' and 1' respectively.

Are Canna Lily and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Sweet Pea?

Canna Lily has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Canna Lily may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.