Orange Tree vs Water Lily

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

Orange Tree

Citrus sinensis

Rutaceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Orange Tree (Zones 9-11)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Orange Tree	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Citrus sinensis	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Rutaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained, Sandy	Pond/Water garden
Height	30'	6"
Spread	25'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Southeast Asia, China	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Orange Tree

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Orange Tree

✓Protect from frost.
✓Feed with citrus fertilizer 3-4 times per year.
✓Water deeply and consistently.
✓Prune only to shape.
✓Pest management for citrus greening disease.

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 Orange Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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 9–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Orange TreeProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Orange Tree and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Orange Tree grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Orange Tree and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Orange Tree needs full sun 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, Orange Tree or Water Lily?

Orange Tree grows taller at 30' compared to Water Lily at 6". Orange Tree spreads 25' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Orange Tree and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Orange Tree or Water Lily?

Both Orange Tree 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	Orange Tree	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Citrus sinensis	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Rutaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Well-drained, Sandy	Pond/Water garden
Height	30'	6"
Spread	25'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Southeast Asia, China	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Orange Tree

✓Protect from frost.
✓Feed with citrus fertilizer 3-4 times per year.
✓Water deeply and consistently.
✓Prune only to shape.
✓Pest management for citrus greening disease.

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 Orange Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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 9–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Orange Tree and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Orange Tree grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Orange Tree and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Orange Tree needs full sun 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, Orange Tree or Water Lily?

Orange Tree grows taller at 30' compared to Water Lily at 6". Orange Tree spreads 25' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Orange Tree and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Orange Tree or Water Lily?

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