Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Ocimum basilicum
Lamiaceae · herbs
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Basil (Zones 2-11)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–11
| Feature | Basil | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ocimum basilicum | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Lamiaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | herbs | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Rich, Well-drained | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 2' | 6" |
| Spread | 1' | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Summer | Summer |
| Bloom Color | White | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Medium |
| Native Region | India, Southeast Asia | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Basil
Water Lily
Basil
Water Lily
Choose Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.
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 3–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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