Species yellow pond lily
Yellow flowers with beige-green stems and green leaves.

yellow pond lily

Nuphar lutea

Yellow pond lily (Nuphar lutea) is a submerged aquatic plant with heart-shaped floating leaves. They grow in shallow waters and produce large, bright yellow flowers in summer. The flowers have a sweet perfume scent and are attractive to pollinators. The plant is found in still or slow-flowing waters in Europe and parts of North America. It is an important food for amphibians such as frogs and dragon flies as well as ducks and waterfowls. The muddy roots of pond lilies help to cleanse the water keeping it clear and healthy. They are an attractive addition to any water garden and are also useful in controlling algae and preventing erosion.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 10

Flowers:

Greenish-yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water yellow pond lilies deeply 1-2 times a week when the top few inches of soil are dry to the touch. Yellow pond lilies can tolerate water depths of up to 6 inches (15 cm), so it is important to make sure they are completely submerged. The plants will also benefit from occasional misting in between waterings.

sunlight

Yellow pond lilies (Nuphar lutea) prefer a sunny spot for at least 5-7 hours of direct sunlight each day, optimally between 10am and 4pm or later in the day. This sunlight can come from natural sunlight outdoors or supplemental artificial lighting indoors. When possible, the sunlight should be indirect, as too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves of the pond lilies. Without adequate sunlight, the plants can become leggy and vibrant yellow leaves will not form. Attempt to provide as much consistent light as possible.

pruning

Yellow pond lilies should be pruned twice a year. In the spring (March/April), prune dead foliage and flower stalks down to just above the water surface. In the fall, (October/November) cut back the foliage to the water surface. This helps to keep the aquatic plant growth vigorous. Make sure to wear gloves since the plant, like other members of the Nymphaceae family, can cause skin irritation. Additionally, it's important to dispose of any plant material removed from the pond, as it can still be a source of irritation.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Nuphar lutea typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map