Clematis vs Water Lily

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

Clematis

Clematis spp.

Ranunculaceae · vines

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Clematis (Zones 4-9)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Clematis	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Clematis spp.	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Ranunculaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	vines	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	20'	6"
Spread	3'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Purple, Blue, Pink, White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Northern Hemisphere	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Clematis

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Clematis

✓Keep roots cool and shaded, tops in sun.
✓Know your pruning group (1, 2, or 3).
✓Provide support for tendrils.
✓Mulch heavily.

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 Clematis if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–9.

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 4–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View ClematisProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Clematis grows in USDA zones 4-9, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 9.

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

Clematis needs 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, Clematis or Water Lily?

Clematis grows taller at 20' compared to Water Lily at 6". Clematis spreads 3' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Clematis and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Clematis or Water Lily?

Both Clematis 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	Clematis	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Clematis spp.	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Ranunculaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	vines	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	20'	6"
Spread	3'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Purple, Blue, Pink, White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Northern Hemisphere	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Clematis if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–9.

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 4–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Clematis grows in USDA zones 4-9, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 9.

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

Clematis needs 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, Clematis or Water Lily?

Clematis grows taller at 20' compared to Water Lily at 6". Clematis spreads 3' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Clematis and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Clematis or Water Lily?

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