About
Nymphaea alba (H) is a robust aquatic perennial characterized by its rounded, deep green foliage, which can have a reddish tint on the underside, reaching widths of up to 30 cm. During the summer months, it produces fragrant white blossoms that can measure up to 20 cm across. Initially cup-shaped, the flowers gradually transition to a star-like form as they mature, showcasing prominent yellow stamens.
About the genus
Nymphaea consists of rhizomatous, aquatic perennials that grow beneath the water's surface. They produce rounded, floating leaves and notable cup- or bowl-shaped flowers, which can be fragrant and appear in various colors. These blooms are positioned on or above the water and give way to submerged fruits resembling berries.
Growing conditions
- 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
- Plant type
- Aquatic
- Habit
- Submerged, Floating
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in undisturbed water in full sun. Plant in baskets in loamy soil with crowns just below soil surface and covered with pea shingle. Position basket so that it is covered by 15-25cm of water. As the plants establish, lower the basket to twice the initial planting depth. Feed during the growing season with a proprietary aquatic fertiliser at the manufacturer's recommended rate. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See aquatic weeds for more information
- Pruning
- Deadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly
- 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