Dill vs Lily of the Valley

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

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Dill (Zones 2-11)

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Dill	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Convallaria majalis
Family	Apiaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	8"
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Dill

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

Lily of the Valley

✓Plant pips (roots) in fall.
✓Spreads aggressively — contain with barriers or use in areas where spreading is desired.
✓All parts are poisonous.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Lily of the Valley if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View DillProfile →View Lily of the ValleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dill and Lily of the Valley grow in the same hardiness zone?

Dill grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Dill and Lily of the Valley have the same sun and water needs?

Dill needs full sun and medium water, while Lily of the Valley needs part shade to full shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Dill or Lily of the Valley?

Dill grows taller at 3' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Dill spreads 1' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Dill and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Yes, both Dill and Lily of the Valley are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Lily of the Valley?

Both Dill and Lily of the Valley 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	Dill	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Convallaria majalis
Family	Apiaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	8"
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

Lily of the Valley

✓Plant pips (roots) in fall.
✓Spreads aggressively — contain with barriers or use in areas where spreading is desired.
✓All parts are poisonous.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Lily of the Valley if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dill and Lily of the Valley grow in the same hardiness zone?

Dill grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Dill and Lily of the Valley have the same sun and water needs?

Dill needs full sun and medium water, while Lily of the Valley needs part shade to full shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Dill or Lily of the Valley?

Dill grows taller at 3' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Dill spreads 1' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Dill and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Yes, both Dill and Lily of the Valley are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Lily of the Valley?

Both Dill and Lily of the Valley have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.