Southern Magnolia vs Water Lily

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

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnoliaceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Southern Magnolia (Zones 7-10)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Southern Magnolia	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Magnolia grandiflora	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Magnoliaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic	Pond/Water garden
Height	80'	6"
Spread	40'	4'
Bloom Season	Late Spring-Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Southeastern US	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Southern Magnolia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water Lily

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Southern Magnolia

✓Protect from winter winds in northern range.
✓Give space for lower branches to sweep the ground.
✓Leaves are slow to decompose.
✓Large seed pods with red seeds.

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 Southern Magnolia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 7–10.

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 7–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Southern MagnoliaProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Southern Magnolia and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Southern Magnolia grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 10.

Do Southern Magnolia and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Southern Magnolia needs full sun to part shade 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, Southern Magnolia or Water Lily?

Southern Magnolia grows taller at 80' compared to Water Lily at 6". Southern Magnolia spreads 40' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Southern Magnolia and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Southern Magnolia or Water Lily?

Southern Magnolia has low maintenance while Water Lily has medium maintenance. Southern Magnolia may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Southern Magnolia	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Magnolia grandiflora	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Magnoliaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	trees	aquatic
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic	Pond/Water garden
Height	80'	6"
Spread	40'	4'
Bloom Season	Late Spring-Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	White	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Southeastern US	Worldwide
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Southern Magnolia

✓Protect from winter winds in northern range.
✓Give space for lower branches to sweep the ground.
✓Leaves are slow to decompose.
✓Large seed pods with red seeds.

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 Southern Magnolia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 7–10.

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 7–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Southern Magnolia and Water Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Southern Magnolia grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Water Lily grows in zones 3-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 10.

Do Southern Magnolia and Water Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Southern Magnolia needs full sun to part shade 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, Southern Magnolia or Water Lily?

Southern Magnolia grows taller at 80' compared to Water Lily at 6". Southern Magnolia spreads 40' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Southern Magnolia and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Southern Magnolia or Water Lily?

Southern Magnolia has low maintenance while Water Lily has medium maintenance. Southern Magnolia may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.