Camellia vs Water Lily

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

Camellia

Camellia japonica

Theaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Camellia (Zones 7-9)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Camellia	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Camellia japonica	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Theaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	shrubs	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	10'	6"
Spread	6'	4'
Bloom Season	Winter-Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	East Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Camellia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

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 Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

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 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View CamelliaProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Camellia grows in USDA zones 7-9, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Camellia needs part shade 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, Camellia or Water Lily?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Water Lily at 6". Camellia spreads 6' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Camellia and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Camellia or Water Lily?

Both Camellia 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	Camellia	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Camellia japonica	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Theaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	shrubs	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	10'	6"
Spread	6'	4'
Bloom Season	Winter-Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	East Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

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 Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

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 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Camellia grows in USDA zones 7-9, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Camellia needs part shade 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, Camellia or Water Lily?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Water Lily at 6". Camellia spreads 6' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Camellia and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Camellia or Water Lily?

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