Canna lily plants are dramatic, tropical‑looking perennials that bring bold color and lush foliage to gardens, containers, and mixed borders. These towering blooms make excellent focal points, but when paired with compatible companion plants, they can create even more striking and balanced landscapes. For the best results, choose companions that have similar sunlight and moisture needs so your garden stays healthy and harmonious.
Matching a canna lily with the right neighbors not only enhances aesthetics but also supports overall plant health by balancing structure, texture, and color throughout the growing season. Below, we’ll look at five top companion plant choices that work beautifully with canna lilies and will help elevate the look of your outdoor space.
1. Elephant Ears (Colocasia or Alocasia)
The broad, dramatic leaves of elephant ears create a lush, tropical backdrop that pairs effortlessly with the upright, colorful blooms of the canna lily. Their bold foliage complements canna’s tall flower spikes and fills in space with rich texture.
- Both thrive in full sun to part shade
- Prefer moist, well-draining soil
- Ideal for tropical-themed or water gardens
Plant elephant ears behind or beside canna lilies for a tiered effect that feels exotic and full. Together, they create a jungle-like vibe that turns any garden corner into a visual getaway.
2. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Trailing sweet potato vines are a fantastic low-growing option to plant around the base of canna lily clusters. Their cascading foliage softens the edges of flower beds and containers, and their chartreuse, bronze, or deep purple leaves contrast beautifully with canna’s upright stems.
- Needs full sun to partial shade
- Grows well in containers or in-ground beds
- Offers a fast-growing ground cover effect
This pairing adds dynamic movement and color at both the top and bottom of your planting area — ideal for layered landscaping.
3. Salvia (Salvia splendens or S. guaranitica)
The spiky blooms of salvia add a striking vertical contrast that complements the upright form of the canna lily. Their long-lasting flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators, making your garden not only beautiful but also wildlife-friendly.
- Loves full sun and well-drained soil
- Offers season-long color in blues, reds, and purples
- Great for adding vertical texture and motion
Plant salvia in front of or beside canna lilies to create waves of color that repeat through summer. Their softer flower spikes offer a graceful balance to canna’s bold presence.
4. Ornamental Grasses (e.g., Pennisetum or Miscanthus)
Ornamental grasses bring a light, airy contrast to the dense, leafy canna lily. Their fine texture and swaying plumes soften the structure of a planting bed and add movement that plays beautifully against canna’s bold silhouette.
- Thrive in sunny conditions
- Offer seasonal interest with flowers and seed heads
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
Use grasses behind or alongside cannas to blur edges and create flow in your landscape. Choose varieties with bronze or burgundy tones for a cohesive palette.
5. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Known for its vivid foliage, coleus is a great way to add bold ground-level color beneath canna lily blooms. Its patterned leaves in reds, greens, and purples echo the richness of canna flowers while providing a dense, low-growing layer.
- Grows well in part shade to full sun, depending on variety
- Needs consistent moisture
- Perfect for borders, containers, and understory planting
Coleus and cannas together create a rich, vibrant tapestry — ideal for gardeners who love bold combinations.
Conclusion
Pairing the canna lily with thoughtfully chosen companion plants can take your garden from bold to breathtaking. Whether you want lush, jungle-inspired foliage or vibrant, layered color, these five companion plants offer the perfect balance of structure, texture, and form.
By matching light, moisture, and spacing requirements, you ensure both beauty and plant health throughout the season. Mix and match for dramatic beds, borders, or containers — and watch your landscape come alive.