About
An aquatic perennial with oval leaves, up to 25cm across, deep maroon when young, later dark green. peony-shaped, deep red flowers with blackish purple centres, to 15cm across, with yellow stamens, are freely-produced in summer.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-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
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 gradually lower the plants to a depth of 50-70cm. Feed during the growing season with aquatic fertiliser at the manufacturer's recommended rate. See hardy waterlily cultivation for more advice
PruningDeadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established
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