About
An aquatic perennial with large, lightly-scented, white, double flowers up to 20cm in diameter. The large leaves start off deep purple, changing to green as the season continues.
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 pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
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 the basket so it is covered by 15-25cm of water and as the plants establish, lower the basket to twice the initial depth. Feed plants throughout the growing season; see waterlily cultivation for further information
PruningDeadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established. See pond plant propagation
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to brown china-mark moth, false leaf-mining midge, water lily beetle and water lily aphid. See waterlily pests for more details
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot