Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Rosa spp.
Rosaceae · flowers
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Rose (Zones 3-10)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–10
| Feature | Rose | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rosa spp. | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Rosaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | flowers | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Rich, Well-drained | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 6' | 6" |
| Spread | 4' | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Spring-Fall | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Red, Pink, White, Yellow | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Medium | Medium |
| Native Region | Asia, Europe, North America | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | High | Medium |
Rose
Water Lily
Rose
Water Lily
Choose Rose if you don't mind high maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–10.
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 3–10. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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