Water Lily
Nymphaea
Aquatic perennial plants with large, rounded, floating leaves and striking, symmetrical flowers that rest on or rise slightly above the water surface.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
- Water
- Requires continuous submersion in water; the root system must remain underwater year-round.
- Growth
- Aquatic perennial with a spreading growth habit via rhizomes, with mature horizontal spread ranging from 3 to 10 feet.
Care instructions
Plant in heavy clay soil in containers submerged in still water. Provide full sun exposure for at least 6 hours daily and apply aquatic plant fertilizer tablets monthly during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Watering
Requires continuous submersion in water; the root system must remain underwater year-round.
Soil
Heavy, nutrient-rich clay soil with a neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10, depending on the specific species and cultivar.
Growth habit
Aquatic perennial with a spreading growth habit via rhizomes, with mature horizontal spread ranging from 3 to 10 feet.
Bloom season
Blooms from late spring through early autumn, producing star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, yellow, red, or blue.
Propagation
Propagated through division of established rhizomes in spring or by germinating seeds in water.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to aphid infestations on foliage, crown rot, and fungal leaf spots, which can be managed by removing affected leaves and ensuring good water circulation.
Similar species
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), which can be distinguished by its leaves and flowers held high above the water surface rather than floating on it.