Lily of the Valley vs Sweet Pea

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

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Sweet Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Lily of the Valley	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Convallaria majalis	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Asparagaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8"	6'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sweet Pea

No — EdibleYes — 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.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

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 Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Lily of the ValleyProfile →View Sweet PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lily of the Valley grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

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

Lily of the Valley needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Sweet Pea 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 Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Lily of the Valley and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Lily of the Valley and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

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

Lily of the Valley has low maintenance while Sweet Pea 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	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Convallaria majalis	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Asparagaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8"	6'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Italy, Sicily
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.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

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 Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lily of the Valley grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

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

Lily of the Valley needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Sweet Pea 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 Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Lily of the Valley and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Lily of the Valley and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

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

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