Overview
Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) is a plant with a submerged, floating habit in the genus Nymphaea, part of the Nymphaeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and low maintenance.
About
Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' is a hardy cultivated water lily with submerged growth and floating leaves and deciduous foliage. It favours a south-facing, sheltered pond site in full sun. Plant in a loam substrate at neutral pH that remains moist but drains; it tolerates typical UK winters (H5). Flowers are produced 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
A cultivated member of the Nymphaeaceae, Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' presents the classic floating-leaf habit of water lilies while retreating to dormancy each winter as its foliage dies back. As a numbered cultivar, it is managed like other hardy Nymphaea and suits planted ponds where a predictable summer display is required. Select a sunny, south-facing position that is sheltered from strong winds; exposure matters because waves and drafts can damage floating leaves and flowers. Use a loam-based pond compost at neutral pH and ensure the planting zone stays moist but has free movement of water rather than becoming stagnant. The plant is rated H5 (hardy), so it will survive normal winter conditions across much of the UK without lifting, provided the crown is not exposed to severe freezing and the pond is not left wind-exposed. This cultivar works well in wildlife-focused ponds and where minimal ongoing work is desired: routine seasonal tidying of decayed leaves is normally all that’s needed. Expect blooms from June to September and for the floating foliage to disappear as temperatures fall, leaving the plant dormant until spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nymphaea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Submerged, Floating
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H)
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes or offsets in summer
- Pest resistance
- Water-lily beetle, water lily aphid, brown china-mark moth, false leaf-mining midge
- Disease resistance
- Crown rot, brown spot, water lily leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H)?
Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) need?
Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) hardy in the UK?
Nymphaea 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H) 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 'Madame Julien Chifflot' (H)?
Division of rhizomes or offsets in summer.
