Water lily flowers and leaves are thick and waxy while the lotus' are thin and papery. A water lily also has a recognizable notch in each leaf.
There water lily petal is pointed and creates a star-like bloom; the lotus petal is more rounded, sometimes ruffly.
Lily flowers last longer, up to two weeks, then wilt and fall beneath the water; the lotus has a significant seed pod that continues to grow above the water after the inflorescence has passed.
The lotus prefers to grow in 12 inches of water and water lilies in 2 to 5 feet.
Some water lilies can grow as far north as zone 3 or 4; the lotus is hardy only to zone 9.
While both attract insects, the lotus fragrance is more subtle. A water lily has a strong scent at the time of bloom that later fades.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Explanation: