Japanese Painted Fern vs Water Lily

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

Japanese Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum

Athyriaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Japanese Painted Fern (Zones 4-8)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Japanese Painted Fern	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Athyrium niponicum	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Athyriaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	ferns	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Moist	Pond/Water garden
Height	1' 6"	6"
Spread	2'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Japan, East Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Japanese Painted Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.

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 Japanese Painted Fern if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

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 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Japanese Painted FernProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Japanese Painted Fern and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Japanese Painted Fern grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Japanese Painted Fern and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Japanese Painted Fern needs part shade to full 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, Japanese Painted Fern or Water Lily?

Japanese Painted Fern grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Water Lily at 6". Japanese Painted Fern spreads 2' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Japanese Painted Fern and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Japanese Painted Fern or Water Lily?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Japanese Painted Fern	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Athyrium niponicum	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Athyriaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	ferns	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Moist	Pond/Water garden
Height	1' 6"	6"
Spread	2'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Japan, East Asia	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.

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 Japanese Painted Fern if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

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 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Japanese Painted Fern and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Japanese Painted Fern grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Japanese Painted Fern and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Which grows taller, Japanese Painted Fern or Water Lily?

Japanese Painted Fern grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Water Lily at 6". Japanese Painted Fern spreads 2' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Japanese Painted Fern and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Japanese Painted Fern or Water Lily?

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