Asiatic Lily vs Holly

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

Asiatic Lily

Lilium asiaticum

Liliaceae · bulbs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Asiatic Lily (Zones 3-8)

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Asiatic Lily	Holly
Scientific Name	Lilium asiaticum	Ilex opaca
Family	Liliaceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	bulbs	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	40'
Spread	1'	20'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Orange, Red, Yellow, Pink	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Asiatic Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Asiatic Lily

✓Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in fall or spring.
✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Leave foliage to die naturally.
✓Divide every 3-4 years when crowded.

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Asiatic Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Asiatic LilyProfile →View HollyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asiatic Lily and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Asiatic Lily grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Asiatic Lily and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Asiatic Lily needs full sun and medium water, while Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Asiatic Lily or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Asiatic Lily at 3'. Holly spreads 20' while Asiatic Lily spreads 1'.

Are Asiatic Lily and Holly deer resistant?

Yes, both Asiatic Lily and Holly are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Asiatic Lily or Holly?

Both Asiatic Lily and Holly have low 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	Asiatic Lily	Holly
Scientific Name	Lilium asiaticum	Ilex opaca
Family	Liliaceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	bulbs	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	40'
Spread	1'	20'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Orange, Red, Yellow, Pink	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Asiatic Lily

✓Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in fall or spring.
✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Leave foliage to die naturally.
✓Divide every 3-4 years when crowded.

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Asiatic Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asiatic Lily and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Asiatic Lily grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Asiatic Lily and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Asiatic Lily needs full sun and medium water, while Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Asiatic Lily or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Asiatic Lily at 3'. Holly spreads 20' while Asiatic Lily spreads 1'.

Are Asiatic Lily and Holly deer resistant?

Yes, both Asiatic Lily and Holly are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Asiatic Lily or Holly?

Both Asiatic Lily and Holly have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.