What to Plant With Canna Lilies for Gorgeous Garden Harmony

What to Plant With Canna Lilies?

When it comes to companion planting with canna lilies, there are several options to consider.

Canna lilies are tropical plants that add vibrant colors and lush foliage to garden beds, and they can be paired with various plants to create stunning combinations.

Some excellent companions for canna lilies include tall grasses, such as pampas grass or maiden grass, which provide a contrasting texture and height.

Other suitable options are daylilies, dahlias, and salvia, which complement the boldness of canna lilies with their own showy blooms.

Additionally, incorporating foliage plants like elephant ears or caladiums can enhance the visual appeal of a canna lily bed.

Key Points:

  • Canna lilies can be paired with various plants to create stunning combinations.
  • Tall grasses like pampas grass or maiden grass provide a contrasting texture and height.
  • Daylilies, dahlias, and salvia complement the boldness of canna lilies with their own showy blooms.
  • Foliage plants like elephant ears or caladiums can enhance the visual appeal of a canna lily bed.
  • Canna lilies are tropical plants that add vibrant colors and lush foliage to garden beds.
  • Companion planting with canna lilies offers several options to consider.

Did You Know?

1. Despite being commonly referred to as lilies, Canna lilies are not true lilies and actually belong to the Cannaceae family, which is closely related to ginger plants.

2. In addition to their beautifying qualities, Canna lilies are known to attract hummingbirds with their vibrant flowers and sweet nectar, making them a perfect addition to any hummingbird garden.

3. Canna lilies are native to tropical and subtropical regions, but they can tolerate colder climates if the bulbs are stored indoors during the winter months.

4. Canna lilies have been cultivated for centuries for various purposes. Ancient civilizations used their rhizomes for medicinal and culinary purposes, while their strong fibers were used for making paper and textiles.

5. Interestingly, Canna lilies are not only grown for their stunning flowers, but some varieties also produce edible young shoots, known as “Canna edulis” or “achira,” which can be used in salads, stir-fries, or pickled for a crunchy and tangy addition to dishes.

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Companion Plants For Canna Lilies

Canna lilies are popular for their vibrant blooms and tropical appearance. To create a visually stunning garden, it is important to choose companion plants that complement the colors and textures of the canna lilies. Here are some great companion plants for canna lilies:

  • Banana Plants: The large leaves and tropical appearance of banana plants create a beautiful backdrop for the showy canna lilies. The contrasting foliage and similar height make them an ideal pairing.

  • Agapanthus: Agapanthus, also known as African lilies, have elegant and spherical clusters of blue or white flowers. Their vertical growth and long blooming season make them a perfect companion for canna lilies.

  • Dahlias: Dahlias come in various shapes and colors, offering a wide range of options to complement the canna lilies. Their vibrant blooms and sturdy stems create a stunning combination in the garden.

Ideal Planting Partners For Canna Lilies

When considering suitable planting partners for canna lilies, it is crucial to take into account factors such as color, height, and texture. Here are some recommended plants that can be paired with canna lilies to create a visually appealing garden:

  • Salvia: Salvia plants, known for their tall spiky blooms and vibrant hues, make an excellent choice for planting alongside canna lilies. Their long-lasting flowering period and ability to attract pollinators add a dynamic element to the garden.

  • Verbena: With a variety of colors available, verbena plants offer a delicate and airy appearance that complements the bold canna lilies. Planting them together creates a striking and balanced visual impact.

  • Zinnias: Zinnias, famous for their bright and colorful flowers, are a perfect match for canna lilies. Their compact growth habit and ability to attract butterflies add charm to any canna lily garden.

  • Blockquote: Consider pairing these recommended plants with canna lilies to create a visually stunning garden that combines vibrant colors, varied heights, and appealing textures.

Enhance Your Garden With Canna Lily Pairings

Creating a harmonious and visually appealing garden involves thoughtful pairings of plants, and canna lilies are no exception. Here are some pairings that will enhance your garden and make it a true feast for the eyes:

  • Black-eyed Susan and canna lilies: The cheerful yellow flowers of black-eyed Susan provide a beautiful contrast against the vibrant red or orange canna lilies. This combination guarantees a burst of color in your garden.

  • Gaura and canna lilies: Gaura plants feature delicate white or pink flowers that dance on thin, wiry stems. Planted alongside canna lilies, they create an ethereal and graceful display.

  • Pampas grass and canna lilies: The tall plumes of pampas grass and the tall stalks of canna lilies create a dramatic and eye-catching scene. This pairing provides both texture and height variation in the garden.

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Perfect Plants To Complement Canna Lilies

Choosing the perfect plants to complement canna lilies will ensure a cohesive and stunning garden design. Consider the following plants to achieve the desired effect:

  • Cosmos: Cosmos flowers have daisy-like blooms that come in shades of pink, purple, and white. Their delicate foliage and airy appearance provide a soft and romantic touch to a canna lily garden.

  • Lantana: Lantana plants offer clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. Their continuous blooming and ability to attract butterflies make them an excellent choice for pairing with canna lilies.

  • Coleus: Known for their vibrant and colorful foliage, coleus plants can be an excellent addition to a canna lily garden. Their textured and variegated leaves create an interesting contrast against the canna lily blooms.

Pairing Suggestions For Canna Lily Gardens

To create a visually stunning and harmonious canna lily garden, consider the following pairing suggestions:

  • Plant canna lilies of different colors to create a vibrant and diverse display.

  • Pair canna lilies with Foxgloves to create a dramatic height difference and add a touch of elegance to the garden.

  • Combine canna lilies with Irises for a stunning contrast of rich colors and vertical textures.

  • Plant canna lilies with Daylilies for a long-lasting display of colorful blooms throughout the summer.

By carefully selecting companion plants and ideal planting partners, you can create a gorgeous garden with canna lilies as the focal point. Experiment with different pairings and enjoy the visual harmony and beauty that these combinations bring to your outdoor space.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What plants pair well with canna?

For a stunning combination, consider pairing cannas with bold and vibrant companion plants like banana plants, hibiscus, and red hot pokers. The contrast between the lush foliage and tall, spiky flowers will create a dynamic and eye-catching display in any garden or landscape. Additionally, for a more delicate touch, intermixing the cannas with tall grasses or ferns can provide a graceful and textured backdrop, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

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How many canna lilies should I plant together?

For optimal growth and aesthetic appeal, it is recommended to plant canna lilies with a spacing of 18-24 inches between each plant in a landscape setting. This spacing allows ample room for the plants to spread out and display their vibrant foliage and blooms. In containers, select a pot with a minimum diameter of 18 inches and plant one canna rhizome per pot. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that each canna lily receives sufficient space to thrive and enhance your garden or container arrangement.

Where is the best place to plant canna lilies?

The ideal location to plant canna lilies is in a spot that receives full sun, where they can bask in its warmth and glory. These magnificent flowers thrive in organically rich, moist, and well-drained soils. While they can survive in the shade, the ultimate flower production is achieved when they are planted in full sun, unless you are living in a particularly hot climate, in which case providing them with partial shade can help the flowers last longer.

What do canna lilies attract?

Canna lilies, with their vibrant and showy blooms, have the ability to attract a myriad of pollinators. Bees and butterflies are particularly drawn to the enticing nectar of these flowers, making them essential contributors to pollination. Additionally, the bright colors and intricate patterns of the canna lilies catch the attention of hummingbirds, luring them in with the promise of a sweet and satisfying meal. In this way, canna lilies create a delightful haven for a variety of creatures, enhancing the biodiversity and beauty of any garden they grace.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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