Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaeaceae · aquatic
Zinnia elegans
Asteraceae · flowers
Water Lily (Zones 3-11)
Zinnia (Zones 2-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–11
| Feature | Water Lily | Zinnia |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nymphaea spp. | Zinnia elegans |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae | Asteraceae |
| Category | aquatic | flowers |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧 Aquatic | 💧💧 Medium |
| Soil | Pond/Water garden | Well-drained |
| Height | 6" | 3' |
| Spread | 4' | 1' |
| Bloom Season | Summer | Summer-Fall |
| Bloom Color | White, Pink, Yellow, Red | Mixed |
| Growth Rate | Medium | Fast |
| Native Region | Worldwide | Mexico |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
Water Lily
Zinnia
Water Lily
Zinnia
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.
Choose Zinnia if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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