Eastern Redbud vs Water Lily

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

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Fabaceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Eastern Redbud (Zones 4-9)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Eastern Redbud	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Cercis canadensis	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Fabaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	30'	6"
Spread	30'	4'
Bloom Season	Early Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Eastern Redbud

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Eastern Redbud

✓Transplant when young — older trees have deep taproots.
✓Prune after flowering.
✓Tolerates clay soil.
✓Flowers are edible and can be added to salads.

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 Eastern Redbud if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

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

View Eastern RedbudProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Eastern Redbud and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Eastern Redbud 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 Eastern Redbud and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Eastern Redbud needs full sun to 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, Eastern Redbud or Water Lily?

Eastern Redbud grows taller at 30' compared to Water Lily at 6". Eastern Redbud spreads 30' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Eastern Redbud and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Eastern Redbud or Water Lily?

Eastern Redbud has low maintenance while Water Lily has medium maintenance. Eastern Redbud may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Eastern Redbud	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Cercis canadensis	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Fabaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	30'	6"
Spread	30'	4'
Bloom Season	Early Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Eastern Redbud

✓Transplant when young — older trees have deep taproots.
✓Prune after flowering.
✓Tolerates clay soil.
✓Flowers are edible and can be added to salads.

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 Eastern Redbud if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Eastern Redbud and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Eastern Redbud 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 Eastern Redbud and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Eastern Redbud needs full sun to 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, Eastern Redbud or Water Lily?

Eastern Redbud grows taller at 30' compared to Water Lily at 6". Eastern Redbud spreads 30' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Eastern Redbud and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Eastern Redbud or Water Lily?

Eastern Redbud has low maintenance while Water Lily has medium maintenance. Eastern Redbud may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.