Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Alcea rosea
Malvaceae · flowers
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8
| Feature | Hollyhock | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alcea rosea | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Malvaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | flowers | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Well-drained | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 8' | 6" |
| Spread | 1' 6" | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Summer | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Medium |
| Native Region | China, Turkey | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Hollyhock
Water Lily
Hollyhock
Water Lily
Choose Hollyhock if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.
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 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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