Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Tulipa spp.
Liliaceae · bulbs
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Tulip (Zones 3-8)
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8
| Feature | Tulip | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tulipa spp. | Nymphaea spp. |
| Family | Liliaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Category | bulbs | aquatic |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧 Low to Medium | 💧 Aquatic |
| Soil | Well-drained, Sandy | Pond/Water garden |
| Height | 2' | 6" |
| Spread | 6" | 4' |
| Bloom Season | Spring | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Mixed | White, Pink, Yellow, Red |
| Growth Rate | Medium | Medium |
| Native Region | Central Asia | Worldwide |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Tulip
Water Lily
Tulip
Water Lily
Choose Tulip if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low to medium water in zones 3–8.
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 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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