When it comes to pairing plants with canna lilies, it’s important to consider their size, texture, and overall aesthetic appeal. Since canna lilies have bold, large leaves and vibrant flowers, it’s best to choose companion plants that have a more delicate and fine-textured appearance. Here are some options to consider:
1. Ornamental Grasses: Grasses with feathery or slender leaves can provide a beautiful contrast to the broad foliage of canna lilies. Some suitable options include Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa), feather reed grass (Calamagrostis), or fountain grass (Pennisetum).
2. Carex: This genus of grass-like plants offers a range of options that can complement canna lilies. Carex comans, with its wispy, copper-colored leaves, or Carex buchananii, with its deep burgundy foliage, can provide an interesting visual contrast.
3. Ferns: With their delicate fronds, ferns can create a soft and elegant backdrop for canna lilies. Consider planting varieties like maidenhair fern (Adiantum), Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), or autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora).
4. Hostas: These shade-loving plants have attractive, textured leaves that can harmonize well with canna lilies. Look for hosta varieties with narrow or variegated leaves, such as ‘Halcyon’, ‘Francee’, or ‘Patriot’.
5. Coleus: With their colorful and patterned foliage, coleus plants can add a vibrant touch to the garden bed or container where canna lilies are planted. Choose varieties with contrasting colors and interesting leaf shapes for an eye-catching display.
6. Heuchera: Also known as coral bells, these perennial plants offer a wide range of leaf colors, from deep purples and burgundies to vibrant lime greens. Their compact size and interesting foliage make them great companions for canna lilies.
7. Caladiums: If you’re looking for a splash of color, consider planting caladiums alongside your canna lilies. These tropical plants have spectacularly patterned leaves in shades of red, pink, white, or green, which can create a stunning contrast.
When selecting companion plants for canna lilies, keep in mind their sunlight and water requirements. It’s also important to choose plants that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to unique and visually appealing results in your garden or water garden pot.
I have personally paired canna lilies with ornamental grasses and found that the combination creates a striking contrast. The fine texture of the grasses complements the bold leaves of the canna lilies, resulting in a visually pleasing arrangement. Additionally, I have seen canna lilies planted alongside ferns, which creates a lush and tropical feel in the garden. The delicate fronds of the ferns provide a soft backdrop for the vibrant blooms of the canna lilies. the key is to select plants with contrasting textures and complementary colors to enhance the beauty of the canna lilies.
