Lily of the Valley vs Plum Tree

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

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Plum Tree

Prunus domestica

Rosaceae · trees

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Plum Tree (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Lily of the Valley	Plum Tree
Scientific Name	Convallaria majalis	Prunus domestica
Family	Asparagaceae	Rosaceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8"	25'
Spread	1'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring
Bloom Color	White	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Europe, Western Asia
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Plum Tree

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.

Plum Tree

✓Most need cross-pollination — plant compatible varieties.
✓Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart.
✓Prune in summer to reduce disease.
✓Brown rot is the main disease concern.

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 Plum Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Lily of the ValleyProfile →View Plum TreeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lily of the Valley grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Plum Tree grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Lily of the Valley or Plum Tree?

Plum Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Plum Tree spreads 20' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Lily of the Valley and Plum Tree deer resistant?

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

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

Lily of the Valley has low maintenance while Plum Tree has medium maintenance. Lily of the Valley may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Lily of the Valley	Plum Tree
Scientific Name	Convallaria majalis	Prunus domestica
Family	Asparagaceae	Rosaceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8"	25'
Spread	1'	20'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring
Bloom Color	White	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Europe, Western Asia
Maintenance	Low	Medium

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.

Plum Tree

✓Most need cross-pollination — plant compatible varieties.
✓Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart.
✓Prune in summer to reduce disease.
✓Brown rot is the main disease concern.

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 Plum Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–8.

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 Lily of the Valley and Plum Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

Lily of the Valley grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Plum Tree grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Lily of the Valley or Plum Tree?

Plum Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Plum Tree spreads 20' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Lily of the Valley and Plum Tree deer resistant?

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

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

Lily of the Valley has low maintenance while Plum Tree has medium maintenance. Lily of the Valley may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.