Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Canna × generalis
Cannaceae · flowers
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Canna Lily (Zones 7-11)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–11
| Feature | Canna Lily | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Canna × generalis | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Cannaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | flowers | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium to High | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Rich, Moist | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 6' | 6" |
| Spread | 2' | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Summer-Fall | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Medium |
| Native Region | Tropical Americas | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Canna Lily
Water Lily
Canna Lily
Water Lily
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 Water Lily if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with aquatic water in zones 3–11.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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