Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Buddleja davidii
Scrophulariaceae · shrubs
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Butterfly Bush (Zones 5-9)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9
| Feature | Butterfly Bush | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Buddleja davidii | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | shrubs | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Well-drained | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 10' | 6" |
| Spread | 8' | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Summer-Fall | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Purple, Pink, White | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Medium |
| Native Region | China | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Butterfly Bush
Water Lily
Butterfly Bush
Water Lily
Choose Butterfly Bush if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.
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 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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