Overview
Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) is a submerged, floating aquatic in the genus Nymphaea, part of the Nymphaeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) grows best in full sun, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Nymphaea caerulea, the blue lotus, is an aquatic water lily in the family Nymphaeaceae notable for its blue flowers and floating leaves. It grows with submerged rhizomes and a mix of submerged and floating habit, and the foliage is deciduous. Suited to full sun and ponds or containers with poorly drained clay or loam, it is hardy in UK gardens to H5 and flowers from June to September.
About the genus
Nymphaea is a genus of hardy and tender aquatic plants in the family Nymphaeaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution. Many species are cultivated as ornamental plants, and many cultivars have been bred.
Wikipedia contributors, "Nymphaea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nymphaea
In the garden
Nymphaea caerulea (blue lotus) is a water lily in the family Nymphaeaceae, traditionally cultivated as an ornamental aquatic. It occurs naturally in parts of Africa and Arabia and has been spread to other regions for garden ponds. The plant produces floating leaves arising from submerged rhizomes and is deciduous. Plant it where it receives full sun, in clay or loam substrates that remain poorly drained; the species tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH. In a UK context H5 hardiness means it will survive typical outdoor winters without special shelter in many areas, but placing containers against a south- or west-facing wall reduces chill and wind exposure. The blue lotus flowers in the UK from June to September and suits patio ponds and larger containers where roots stay submerged. Position the crown so rhizomes sit in silty or compacted substrate and keep the water surface clear of excessive shading. The plant can be grown in sheltered or exposed sites provided it has the required sun and poorly drained soil, and its submerged rhizomes are edible.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nymphaea
- 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
Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic
- Habit
- Submerged, Floating
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nymphaea caerulea (T/D)
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nymphaea caerulea (T/D)?
Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) need?
Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
Is Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) hardy in the UK?
Nymphaea caerulea (T/D) has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Nymphaea caerulea (T/D)?
Propagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established.