Apple Tree vs Water Lily

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Apple Tree

Malus domestica

Rosaceae · trees

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Apple Tree (Zones 3-8)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Rosaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	25'	6"
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White, Pink	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Central Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Apple Tree

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Water Lily

✓Plant in containers submerged 12-18 inches deep.
✓Needs 6+ hours of direct sun.
✓Fertilize monthly during growing season.
✓Divide when crowded.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

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 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Apple TreeProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Apple Tree and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Water Lily needs full sun and aquatic water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Water Lily?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Water Lily at 6". Apple Tree spreads 20' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Apple Tree and Water Lily deer resistant?

Water Lily is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Water Lily is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Water Lily?

Both Apple Tree and Water Lily have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Rosaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	25'	6"
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White, Pink	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Central Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Water Lily

✓Plant in containers submerged 12-18 inches deep.
✓Needs 6+ hours of direct sun.
✓Fertilize monthly during growing season.
✓Divide when crowded.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

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 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Apple Tree and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Water Lily needs full sun and aquatic water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Water Lily?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Water Lily at 6". Apple Tree spreads 20' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Apple Tree and Water Lily deer resistant?

Water Lily is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Water Lily is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Water Lily?

Both Apple Tree and Water Lily have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.