About

Nymphaea 'Amabilis' is a hardy aquatic perennial characterized by its rounded foliage, initially displaying a reddish hue before maturing to a dark green. This plant produces star-shaped pink blossoms that can reach up to 20 cm in diameter, featuring prominent deep 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
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years

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 15-25 cm of water, as the plants establish lower the plants to twice the initial planting depth. Feed during the growing season with a proprietary aquatic fertiliser at the manufacturer's recommended rate
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