Nymphaea
( nim - FEE - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationNymphaea, or Water Lily, is a genus of aquatic plants that love full sun and need to be located in a pool of fresh water. They grow with their roots submerged in underwater soil, and their leaves float on the surface. Flowers are showy and can either float on top of the water or raise above it.
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Nymphaea Species and Varietals
The genus Nymphaea can be divided into two categories: Hardy Types and Tropical Types. Water Lily grows best in zones 1-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Hardy Types of Water Lily These plants are easy to grow for beginners and can be planted from February through to October in mild-winter areas. In cooler climates, plant in April through July. Bury the rhizome 6 inches deep in a submerged plot of soil in a horizontal position with the budding end up. Feed with a controlled-release fertilizer at the time of planting and once a month going forward. Prune off spent leaves and blossoms as they fade, and in cold weather, protect the plants by covering your pond or by adding more water to it. Blooms will pop occasionally throughout the warmer months, and the plants will go dormant in fall and reappear the next springtime. |
Tropical Types of Water Lily These will bloom later in the summertime but the blooms last longer, usually until the first frost of the year. Bury the rhizome 6 inches deep in a submerged plot of soil in a horizontal position with the budding end up. Tropical types will go dormant in wintertime, but usually won't survive through to the next spring unless protected. Tubers can be overwintered inside in damp sand. |
Caring for Nymphaea
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 457, Nymphaea
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