Hosta vs Lily of the Valley

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

Hosta

Hosta spp.

Asparagaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hosta (Zones 3-9)

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hosta	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Hosta spp.	Convallaria majalis
Family	Asparagaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	8"
Spread	4'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	White, Lavender	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	East Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Hosta

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Hosta

✓Protect from slugs with copper barriers or iron phosphate bait.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓More sun = more flowers but less blue color.

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 Hosta if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

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.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (part shade to full shade), making them potential garden companions.

View HostaProfile →View Lily of the ValleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hosta grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

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

Hosta needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Lily of the Valley needs part shade to full shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Hosta or Lily of the Valley?

Hosta grows taller at 3' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Hosta spreads 4' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Hosta and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Lily of the Valley is deer resistant, but Hosta is not. If deer are a concern, Lily of the Valley is the better choice, or protect Hosta with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Hosta or Lily of the Valley?

Both Hosta and Lily of the Valley have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hosta	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Hosta spp.	Convallaria majalis
Family	Asparagaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	8"
Spread	4'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	White, Lavender	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	East Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Hosta

✓Protect from slugs with copper barriers or iron phosphate bait.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓More sun = more flowers but less blue color.

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 Hosta if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

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.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (part shade to full shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hosta grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

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

Which grows taller, Hosta or Lily of the Valley?

Hosta grows taller at 3' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Hosta spreads 4' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Hosta and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Lily of the Valley is deer resistant, but Hosta is not. If deer are a concern, Lily of the Valley is the better choice, or protect Hosta with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Hosta or Lily of the Valley?

Both Hosta and Lily of the Valley have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.