Boxwood vs Water Lily

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

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boxwood	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Buxaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	shrubs	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	8'	6"
Spread	8'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Green	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

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 Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

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 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BoxwoodProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Boxwood and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Boxwood needs part shade to 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, Boxwood or Water Lily?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Water Lily at 6". Boxwood spreads 8' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Boxwood and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Water Lily?

Both Boxwood 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	Boxwood	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Buxus sempervirens	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Buxaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	shrubs	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	8'	6"
Spread	8'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Green	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia, Africa	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

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 Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

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 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boxwood and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5-8, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Boxwood and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Boxwood needs part shade to 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, Boxwood or Water Lily?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Water Lily at 6". Boxwood spreads 8' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Boxwood and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boxwood or Water Lily?

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