About
Nymphaea alba (H), the white waterlily, is a vigorous aquatic perennial with rounded, dark-green leaves, often red-green beneath, up to 30 cm across. In summer it produces lightly scented, white flowers 20 cm wide with prominent yellow stamens, starting cup-shaped and becoming star-shaped with age. A classic and beautiful hardy waterlily for larger ponds.
About the genus
Nymphaea are rhizomatous, submerged aquatic perennials with floating, rounded leaves and showy, sometimes fragrant, cup- or bowl-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours, held on or above the water and followed by submerged, berry-like fruits.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic
HabitSubmerged, Floating
FoliageDeciduous
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningDeadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established
Pest resistanceSusceptible to water-lily beetle, water lily aphid, brown china-mark moth and false leaf-mining midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot