Fig Tree vs Water Lily

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

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Moraceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Fig Tree (Zones 7-10)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Fig Tree	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Ficus carica	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Moraceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	20'	6"
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Green (inside fruit)	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean, Western Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Fig Tree

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

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.

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 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 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 7–10. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Fig TreeProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Fig Tree grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 10.

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

Fig Tree 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, Fig Tree or Water Lily?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Water Lily at 6". Fig Tree spreads 20' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Fig Tree and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Fig Tree or Water Lily?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Fig Tree	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Ficus carica	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Moraceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	20'	6"
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Green (inside fruit)	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean, Western Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

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.

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 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 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 7–10. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Fig Tree grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 10.

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

Fig Tree 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, Fig Tree or Water Lily?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Water Lily at 6". Fig Tree spreads 20' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Fig Tree and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Fig Tree or Water Lily?

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