About
Nymphaea lotus (T/N) is a tropical, deciduous aquatic perennial characterized by its oval leaves, which range in color from green to reddish-brown and feature purple mottling. From summer to autumn, it produces fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with yellow centers. While tropical waterlilies can thrive in some milder regions of the UK, they must be removed and kept in a warm greenhouse during the winter months.
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
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Aquatic
- Habit
- Submerged, Floating
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
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 15-25cm 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. Lift and store in a warm greenhouse over winter. See waterlily cultivation for more advice
- 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
- May 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 resistance
- May be susceptible to brown spot, crown rot and water lily leaf spot