Lily of the Valley vs Parsley

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

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Parsley (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Lily of the Valley	Parsley
Scientific Name	Convallaria majalis	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Asparagaceae	Apiaceae
Category	flowers	herbs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	8"	1'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Yellow-green (second year)
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Parsley

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Lily of the ValleyProfile →View ParsleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lily of the Valley grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Parsley grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

Lily of the Valley needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Parsley needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Lily of the Valley or Parsley?

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

Are Lily of the Valley and Parsley deer resistant?

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

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

Both Lily of the Valley and Parsley 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	Lily of the Valley	Parsley
Scientific Name	Convallaria majalis	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Asparagaceae	Apiaceae
Category	flowers	herbs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	8"	1'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Yellow-green (second year)
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

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.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lily of the Valley grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Parsley grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

Which grows taller, Lily of the Valley or Parsley?

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

Are Lily of the Valley and Parsley deer resistant?

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

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

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