Overview
Nymphaea is a submerged, floating aquatic in the genus Nymphaea, part of the Nymphaeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nymphaea grows best in full sun, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Nymphaea, commonly known as waterlily or sea rose, is an aquatic perennial belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family. This rhizomatous plant grows beneath the water's surface, producing rounded, floating deciduous leaves and distinctive cup- or bowl-shaped flowers that appear on or above the water during summer. It thrives in full sun and can be grown in various soil types, including clay and loam, with poorly-drained conditions. Suitable for patio and container planting, Nymphaea is hardy in the UK (H5) and is best propagated by dividing rhizomes or offsets in summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nymphaea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Nymphaea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic
- Habit
- Submerged, Floating
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nymphaea
- Propagation
- Propagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to water-lily beetle, water lily aphid, brown china-mark moth and false leaf-mining midge
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nymphaea?
Nymphaea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nymphaea need?
Nymphaea grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
Is Nymphaea hardy in the UK?
Nymphaea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Nymphaea?
Propagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established.
More in the Nymphaea genus
- Nymphaea caerulea (T/D)blue lotus
- Nymphaea thermarum
- Nymphaea 'Caroliniana' (H)
- Nymphaea 'Esmeralda' (H)
- Nymphaea 'Gold Medal' (H)
- Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Rosea' Laydeker (H)waterlily 'Laydekeri Rosea'
- Nymphaea 'Red Beauty' (T/D)
- Nymphaea 'White Sultan' (H)