Canna Lily vs Vinca

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

Canna Lily

Canna × generalis

Cannaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Vinca

Vinca minor

Apocynaceae · groundcovers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)

Vinca (Zones 4-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Canna Lily	Vinca
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Vinca minor
Family	Cannaceae	Apocynaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	6'	6"
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Blue, Purple, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Canna Lily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Vinca

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.

Vinca

✓Can be aggressive — plant where spreading is desired.
✓Mow or trim in early spring to rejuvenate.
✓Excellent for erosion control on banks.
✓Avoid planting near natural 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 Vinca if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

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 VincaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Vinca grows in zones 4-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Canna Lily needs full sun and medium to high water, while Vinca 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 Vinca?

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

Are Canna Lily and Vinca deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Vinca?

Both Canna Lily and Vinca 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	Vinca
Scientific Name	Canna × generalis	Vinca minor
Family	Cannaceae	Apocynaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	6'	6"
Spread	2'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink	Blue, Purple, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe
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.

Vinca

✓Can be aggressive — plant where spreading is desired.
✓Mow or trim in early spring to rejuvenate.
✓Excellent for erosion control on banks.
✓Avoid planting near natural 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 Vinca if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

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 Vinca grow in the same hardiness zone?

Canna Lily grows in USDA zones 7-11, while Vinca grows in zones 4-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Canna Lily needs full sun and medium to high water, while Vinca 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 Vinca?

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

Are Canna Lily and Vinca deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Canna Lily or Vinca?

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