Basil vs Oriental Lily

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

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Lamiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Oriental Lily

Lilium orientalis

Liliaceae · bulbs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Basil (Zones 2-11)

Oriental Lily (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Basil	Oriental Lily
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Lilium orientalis
Family	Lamiaceae	Liliaceae
Category	herbs	bulbs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained
Height	2'	4'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Japan
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Basil

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Oriental Lily

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.

Oriental Lily

✓Plant 8 inches deep.
✓Need acidic soil — add sulfur if needed.
✓Excellent cut flowers.
✓Protect from lily leaf beetle.
✓Toxic to cats.

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 Oriental Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BasilProfile →View Oriental LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Oriental Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Oriental Lily grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Basil and Oriental Lily have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Basil or Oriental Lily?

Oriental Lily grows taller at 4' compared to Basil at 2'. Oriental Lily spreads 1' while Basil spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Oriental Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Oriental Lily?

Both Basil and Oriental Lily 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	Oriental Lily
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Lilium orientalis
Family	Lamiaceae	Liliaceae
Category	herbs	bulbs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained
Height	2'	4'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Japan
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.

Oriental Lily

✓Plant 8 inches deep.
✓Need acidic soil — add sulfur if needed.
✓Excellent cut flowers.
✓Protect from lily leaf beetle.
✓Toxic to cats.

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 Oriental Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Oriental Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Oriental Lily grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Basil and Oriental Lily have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Basil or Oriental Lily?

Oriental Lily grows taller at 4' compared to Basil at 2'. Oriental Lily spreads 1' while Basil spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Oriental Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Oriental Lily?

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