Water Lily
Nymphaea spp.
Nymphaea nouchali (2) by Flora Tang (CC BY 2.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Frequent watering
Tender
8a-11b
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1.5m |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Water Lily
Water Lily Overview
Nymphaea is a genus of deciduous, aquatic, perennial plants in the water lily family, Nymphaeaceae. They are commonly known as Water Lily (or Waterlily). The floating 'lilypad' leaves are rounded and heart-shaped, and the summer flowers are showy bowl- or cup-shaped. They come in a variety of sizes, colours and forms and are held on, or just above, the water on sturdy stems. These lovely exotic plants have been extensively cultivated as ornamental pond plants across the world - not only to look decorative but also to provide shade - preventing overgrowth of algae and shelter for aquatic wildlife. Water lilies need a water depth of between 30cm and 1.5m - depending on the variety - and a position in full sun. They can be frost tender or hardy. Nymphaea should be planted in aquatic baskets filled with aquatic compost or a low nutrient, stony garden topsoil, with gravel or pebbles on top, before submerging.
Common problems with Water Lily
Can be susceptible to water-lily beetle, brown china-mark moth and false leaf-mining midge. Possible diseases can include crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot.
How to propagate Water Lily
Division
When you divide the rhizomes every 3 or 4 years, save some sections to replant in spring or summer - or share with friends!
Special features of Water Lily
Attractive flowers
Attracts useful insects
Other uses of Water Lily
Grown for their floating, usually rounded leaves and brightly coloured flowers.