Holly vs Sweet Pea

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

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Sweet Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Fabaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	40'	6'
Spread	20'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sweet Pea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Choose Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View HollyProfile →View Sweet PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Holly or Sweet Pea?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Sweet Pea at 6'. Holly spreads 20' while Sweet Pea spreads 1'.

Are Holly and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Holly and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Sweet Pea?

Holly has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Holly may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Fabaceae
Category	shrubs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	40'	6'
Spread	20'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Choose Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Holly or Sweet Pea?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Sweet Pea at 6'. Holly spreads 20' while Sweet Pea spreads 1'.

Are Holly and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Holly and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Sweet Pea?

Holly has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Holly may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.