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.
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.
More in the Nymphaea genus
- Nymphaeawaterlily
- Nymphaea thermarum
- Nymphaea 'Caroliniana' (H)
- Nymphaea 'Esmeralda' (H)
- Nymphaea 'Gold Medal' (H)
- Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Rosea' Laydeker (H)waterlily 'Laydekeri Rosea'
- Nymphaea 'Red Beauty' (T/D)
- Nymphaea 'White Sultan' (H)