Nymphaea

Nymphaea alba

Water Lily
Nymphaea
Type: Aquatic
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Lots and Lots

Like many other plants with “lily” in their name, the Water Lily is not part of the lily family. Instead it belongs to a group of plants called “Nymphaea,” which features many named cultivars with a wide variety of colors and flower forms. Water lily blooms, most of which open at dawn and close at dusk (although some work the other way around), rise 6in (15cm) off the water surface, but spread as much as 12ft (3.6m) with round, glossy, attractive leaves with a single large notch in each. These are often referred to as lily pads [every frog in every cartoon I ever watched as a kid hung out on lily pads]. The plant grows from rhizomes which are planted in soil 8-12in (20-30cm) below the water surface.  There are hardy and tropical types available. The hardy ones, which go dormant in the winter but reappear in the spring feature flowers in white and yellow through to pink and red. Tropical types wont last the winter in colder areas, but add a couple more colors, such as blue or purple, to the mix. Some water lilies are fragrant, too.

Pro Tip: No pond? No problem! Water lilies can be grown in larger, watertight glazed containers also, as long as it has the depth to cover the pot containing the roots with 8-12 inches of water.

Cheers,

John