Fig Tree vs Lily of the Valley

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

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Moraceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Fig Tree (Zones 7-10)

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Fig Tree	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Ficus carica	Convallaria majalis
Family	Moraceae	Asparagaceae
Category	trees	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	20'	8"
Spread	20'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Green (inside fruit)	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean, Western Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Fig Tree

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

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 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Fig TreeProfile →View Lily of the ValleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Fig Tree grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

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

Fig Tree 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, Fig Tree or Lily of the Valley?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Fig Tree spreads 20' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Fig Tree and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Yes, both Fig Tree 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, Fig Tree or Lily of the Valley?

Both Fig Tree 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	Fig Tree	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Ficus carica	Convallaria majalis
Family	Moraceae	Asparagaceae
Category	trees	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	20'	8"
Spread	20'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Green (inside fruit)	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean, Western Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

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 7–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Fig Tree grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 8.

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

Fig Tree 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, Fig Tree or Lily of the Valley?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Fig Tree spreads 20' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Fig Tree and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Yes, both Fig Tree 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, Fig Tree or Lily of the Valley?

Both Fig Tree 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.