Geranium vs Lily of the Valley

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

Geranium

Pelargonium × hortorum

Geraniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantMedium Maintenance

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Geranium (Zones 9-11)

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

No zone overlap — these plants cannot be grown in the same climate

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Geranium	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Pelargonium × hortorum	Convallaria majalis
Family	Geraniaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	1' 6"	8"
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Salmon	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	South Africa	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Geranium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Geranium

✓Deadhead spent flower stems at base.
✓Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
✓Feed every 2 weeks.
✓Overwinter indoors in cold climates.
✓Excellent in containers.

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 Geranium if you don't mind medium maintenance, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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.

View GeraniumProfile →View Lily of the ValleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Geranium grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

Geranium 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, Geranium or Lily of the Valley?

Geranium grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Geranium spreads 1' 6" while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Geranium and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Yes, both Geranium 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, Geranium or Lily of the Valley?

Geranium has medium maintenance while Lily of the Valley has low maintenance. Lily of the Valley may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Geranium	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Pelargonium × hortorum	Convallaria majalis
Family	Geraniaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	1' 6"	8"
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Salmon	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	South Africa	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Geranium

✓Deadhead spent flower stems at base.
✓Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
✓Feed every 2 weeks.
✓Overwinter indoors in cold climates.
✓Excellent in containers.

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 Geranium if you don't mind medium maintenance, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Geranium grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

Geranium 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, Geranium or Lily of the Valley?

Geranium grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Geranium spreads 1' 6" while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Geranium and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Yes, both Geranium 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, Geranium or Lily of the Valley?

Geranium has medium maintenance while Lily of the Valley has low maintenance. Lily of the Valley may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.