Basil vs Lily of the Valley

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

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Lamiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Basil (Zones 2-11)

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Basil	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Convallaria majalis
Family	Lamiaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	2'	8"
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	White	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Basil

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

Lily of the Valley

✓Plant pips (roots) in fall.
✓Spreads aggressively — contain with barriers or use in areas where spreading is desired.
✓All parts are poisonous.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Lily of the Valley if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BasilProfile →View Lily of the ValleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Lily of the Valley grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Basil and Lily of the Valley have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Basil or Lily of the Valley?

Basil grows taller at 2' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Basil spreads 1' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Lily of the Valley is deer resistant, but Basil is not. If deer are a concern, Lily of the Valley is the better choice, or protect Basil with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Lily of the Valley?

Both Basil and Lily of the Valley 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	Basil	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Convallaria majalis
Family	Lamiaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	2'	8"
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	White	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

Lily of the Valley

✓Plant pips (roots) in fall.
✓Spreads aggressively — contain with barriers or use in areas where spreading is desired.
✓All parts are poisonous.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Lily of the Valley if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Lily of the Valley grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Basil and Lily of the Valley have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Basil or Lily of the Valley?

Basil grows taller at 2' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Basil spreads 1' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Lily of the Valley is deer resistant, but Basil is not. If deer are a concern, Lily of the Valley is the better choice, or protect Basil with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Lily of the Valley?

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