Canna Lily vs Calla Lily: A Comprehensive Guide

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Introduction

Canna lilies and calla lilies are two popular flowering plants that are often confused with each other. While they share some similarities, such as their large, showy flowers, they are actually quite different plants. This guide will help you identify the key differences between canna lilies and calla lilies, so you can make the right choice for your garden.

Appearance

Canna Lily

Canna lilies have large, upright leaves that are typically green or bronze in color. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and purple. Canna lilies bloom from midsummer to early fall.

Calla Lily

Calla lilies have large, heart-shaped leaves that are typically dark green in color. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and are usually white, yellow, or pink. Calla lilies bloom from late spring to early summer.

Size

Canna Lily

Canna lilies can grow to be quite large, with some varieties reaching heights of 6 feet or more. However, there are also dwarf varieties that are only 2-3 feet tall. The leaves of canna lilies can also be quite large, up to 2 feet long.

Calla Lily

Calla lilies are typically smaller than canna lilies, with most varieties reaching heights of 2-3 feet. The leaves of calla lilies are also smaller, typically 6-12 inches long.

Hardiness

Canna Lily

Canna lilies are not cold hardy, and they must be dug up and stored indoors over the winter in cold climates. They are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7-11.

Calla Lily

Calla lilies are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. However, they may need to be protected from frost in colder climates. They can be dug up and stored indoors over the winter, or they can be left in the ground and mulched heavily.

Care

Canna lilies and calla lilies have similar care requirements. They both need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months.

Canna Lily

Canna lilies need to be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season. They also need to be deadheaded regularly to encourage new growth.

Calla Lily

Calla lilies do not need to be fertilized as often as canna lilies. They can be fertilized once a month during the growing season. Calla lilies also do not need to be deadheaded.

Uses

Canna lilies and calla lilies are both popular garden plants. They can be used to add color and interest to borders, beds, and containers. Canna lilies can also be used as cut flowers.

Toxicity

Canna lilies and calla lilies are both poisonous to humans and animals. The rhizomes and leaves of canna lilies contain a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The flowers and leaves of calla lilies contain a toxin that can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems.

Conclusion

Canna lilies and calla lilies are two beautiful flowering plants that can add color and interest to your garden. However, it is important to be aware of the differences between these two plants, so you can make the right choice for your garden.

Table 1: Comparison of Canna Lily and Calla Lily
Characteristic Canna Lily Calla Lily
Size Large (up to 6 feet tall) Small (2-3 feet tall)
Leaves Upright, green or bronze, up to 2 feet long Heart-shaped, dark green, 6-12 inches long
Flowers Trumpet-shaped, yellow, orange, red, or purple Trumpet-shaped, white, yellow, or pink
Bloom time Midsummer to early fall Late spring to early summer
Hardiness USDA hardiness zones 7-11 USDA hardiness zones 8-11
Care Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, regular watering, fertilize every few weeks, deadhead regularly Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, regular watering, fertilize once a month, no need to deadhead
Uses Borders, beds, containers, cut flowers Borders, beds, containers
Toxicity Poisonous to humans and animals Poisonous to humans and animals

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