Hydrangea vs Water Lily

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

Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangeaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hydrangea (Zones 5-9)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hydrangea	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Hydrangea macrophylla	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Hydrangeaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	flowers	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Moist	Pond/Water garden
Height	6'	6"
Spread	6'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Blue, Pink, White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Japan	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Hydrangea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

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 Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high 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 HydrangeaProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hydrangea 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 Hydrangea and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Hydrangea needs part shade and medium to high 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, Hydrangea or Water Lily?

Hydrangea grows taller at 6' compared to Water Lily at 6". Hydrangea spreads 6' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Hydrangea and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hydrangea or Water Lily?

Both Hydrangea and Water Lily have medium 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	Hydrangea	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Hydrangea macrophylla	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Hydrangeaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	flowers	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Moist	Pond/Water garden
Height	6'	6"
Spread	6'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Blue, Pink, White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Japan	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

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 Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high 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 Hydrangea and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hydrangea 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 Hydrangea and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Hydrangea needs part shade and medium to high 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, Hydrangea or Water Lily?

Hydrangea grows taller at 6' compared to Water Lily at 6". Hydrangea spreads 6' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Hydrangea and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hydrangea or Water Lily?

Both Hydrangea and Water Lily have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.