Holly vs Water Lily

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

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	shrubs	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	40'	6"
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

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.

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 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 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 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View HollyProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade 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, Holly or Water Lily?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Water Lily at 6". Holly spreads 20' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Holly and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Water Lily?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	shrubs	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Pond/Water garden
Height	40'	6"
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Worldwide
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.

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 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 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 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade 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, Holly or Water Lily?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Water Lily at 6". Holly spreads 20' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Holly and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Water Lily?

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