Companion Plants for Canna Lilies in Containers

Are you looking for a way to add some color and interest to your container garden? If so, you might want to consider planting some canna lilies. These gorgeous flowers are known for their vibrant colors and unique foliage, and they can be grown in pots on your porch or patio. But did you know that canna lilies also thrive when planted alongside other species? In this post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for canna lilies in containers.

The Best Companion Plants for Canna Lilies

Begonias

Begonias are an excellent choice as a companion plant for canna lilies. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, and white, and they provide a nice contrast to the bold, dramatic leaves of the canna lily. Begonias are also relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil types and light levels. For best results, plant them in a pot with well-draining soil and water them regularly.

Caladiums

Another great option for a companion plant is the caladium. Like canna lilies, caladiums have large, showy leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them an ideal choice for planting alongside canna lilies in containers. Caladiums also tend to thrive in humid environments, so if you live in a dry climate, consider misting them regularly to keep them healthy.

Lantana

If you're looking for a companion plant that will attract pollinators to your garden, consider planting lantana alongside your canna lilies. Lantana is a perennial shrub that produces clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. These flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want to support local pollinator populations.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great option for a companion plant. They have bright, colorful flowers that come in shades of red, orange, yellow, and cream, and their leaves are also edible. Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and full sun, making them an ideal choice for planting alongside canna lilies. They are also relatively low maintenance and can tolerate dry soil, making them a good choice for gardeners who don't want to spend a lot of time watering.

Coleus

If you're looking for a companion plant that will provide some contrast to the bold, dramatic leaves of the canna lily, consider planting coleus. Coleus comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including green, purple, red, yellow, and orange. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an ideal choice for planting alongside canna lilies in containers. Coleus is also relatively low maintenance and can be propagated easily from cuttings.

Other Companion Plants to Consider

Ferns

Ferns are a great choice as a companion plant for canna lilies. They have delicate, feathery fronds that provide a nice contrast to the bold, dramatic leaves of the canna lily. Ferns prefer moist soil and partial to full shade, making them an ideal choice for planting alongside canna lilies in containers.

Salvia

Salvia is a perennial flowering plant that comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, red, and white. They are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their container garden.

Petunias

Petunias are a classic choice for a companion plant. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white, and they provide a nice contrast to the bold, dramatic leaves of the canna lily. Petunias prefer full sun and well-draining soil, making them an ideal choice for planting alongside canna lilies in containers.

Tips for Planting Companion Plants with Canna Lilies

Choose plants that have similar growing conditions.

When choosing companion plants for canna lilies, it's important to select species that have similar growing requirements. This will help ensure that all of the plants in your container garden thrive and grow together.

Consider the height of your companion plants.

When planting companion plants with canna lilies, it's important to consider the height of each species. Taller plants should be planted towards the back of the container, while shorter plants should be planted towards the front.

Make sure your container has good drainage.

Canna lilies and their companion plants require well-draining soil to thrive. Make sure your container has good drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix when planting.

Water regularly.

Canna lilies and their companion plants prefer moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. Check the soil moisture level daily and water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can canna lilies and their companion plants be grown in full sun?

Yes, canna lilies and their companion plants can be grown in full sun. However, it's important to make sure they are watered regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.

Q: Can I plant herbs as companion plants for canna lilies?

Yes, many herbs can be planted alongside canna lilies in containers. Some good options include basil, thyme, and parsley.

Q: Are there any companion plants that repel pests?

Yes, some companion plants can help repel pests from your container garden. Marigolds, for example, are known to repel nematodes, while garlic is believed to repel aphids and other insects.

Q: Can I plant vegetables alongside my canna lilies?

Yes, many vegetables can be planted alongside canna lilies in containers. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.

Q: Can I plant more than one type of companion plant with my canna lilies?

Yes, you can plant multiple types of companion plants with your canna lilies. Just make sure to choose species that have similar growing requirements and that will complement each other visually.



Canna lilies are a beautiful and versatile addition to any container garden. By planting them alongside other species, you can create a stunning display of color and texture that will thrive throughout the growing season. Whether you choose to plant begonias, caladiums, lantana, nasturtiums, coleus, or another species altogether, just make sure to select plants that have similar growing conditions and that will complement each other visually. With a little planning and care, you can create a container garden that is both beautiful and productive.