Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Forsythia × intermedia
Oleaceae · shrubs
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Forsythia (Zones 5-8)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8
| Feature | Forsythia | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forsythia × intermedia | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Oleaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | shrubs | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Adaptable | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 10' | 6" |
| Spread | 10' | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Early Spring | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Yellow | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Medium |
| Native Region | East Asia | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Forsythia
Water Lily
Forsythia
Water Lily
Choose Forsythia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.
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 5–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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