Daisy vs Holly

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

Daisy

Bellis perennis

Asteraceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Daisy (Zones 4-8)

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Daisy	Holly
Scientific Name	Bellis perennis	Ilex opaca
Family	Asteraceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	6"	40'
Spread	8"	20'
Bloom Season	Spring-Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	White, Pink	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Slow
Native Region	Europe	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Daisy

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Daisy

✓Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if desired.
✓Tolerates mowing in lawns.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓May go dormant in hot summers.
✓Edible flowers add beauty to salads.

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Daisy if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View DaisyProfile →View HollyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Daisy and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Daisy grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Daisy and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Daisy needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Daisy or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Daisy at 6". Holly spreads 20' while Daisy spreads 8".

Are Daisy and Holly deer resistant?

Yes, both Daisy and Holly are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Daisy or Holly?

Both Daisy and Holly have low 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	Daisy	Holly
Scientific Name	Bellis perennis	Ilex opaca
Family	Asteraceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	6"	40'
Spread	8"	20'
Bloom Season	Spring-Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	White, Pink	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Slow
Native Region	Europe	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Daisy

✓Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if desired.
✓Tolerates mowing in lawns.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓May go dormant in hot summers.
✓Edible flowers add beauty to salads.

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Daisy if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Daisy and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Daisy grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Daisy and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Daisy needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Daisy or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Daisy at 6". Holly spreads 20' while Daisy spreads 8".

Are Daisy and Holly deer resistant?

Yes, both Daisy and Holly are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Daisy or Holly?

Both Daisy and Holly have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.