Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Agave americana
Asparagaceae · succulents
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Agave (Zones 8-11)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 8–11
| Feature | Agave | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agave americana | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Asparagaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | succulents | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧 Low | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Sandy, Well-drained | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 6' | 6" |
| Spread | 8' | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Once (then dies) | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Yellow | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Slow | Medium |
| Native Region | Mexico, Southwestern US | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Agave
Water Lily
Agave
Water Lily
Choose Agave if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 8–11.
Choose Water Lily if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with aquatic water in zones 3–11.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 8–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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