Species water lily
purple-magenta flower with orange filaments, purple anthers, green leaves and brown stem

water lily

Nymphaea (incl. hybrids)

Water lily (Nymphaea (incl. hybrids)) is a plant species native to tropical and subtropical climates in Africa, Asia, and North and South America. They grow in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, and are known for their bright green leaves and beautiful white, yellow, pink, and blue flowers that float across the water's surface. The leaves and flowers can grow up to four inches across and the roots of the water lily are anchored to the pond or lake's bottom. Not only are water lilies an attractive water feature, they also provide oxygen to the water and provide shade and cover for fish and other aquatic animals.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

3

Flowers:

Showy, White, Violet, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow Flowers In Summer

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Fruits:

blue,green,red,yellow,purple,orange,pink,white Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,purple,orange,pink

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Water lilies should be watered regularly and deeply, allowing the soil and root system to become completely saturated. During the growing season, they should receive water at least once every 2 days and no more than 3 times a week. In the winter, water your lily only when the soil is dry. When watering, add enough to saturate the root system. Water lilies prefer standing water, so make sure the water depth is at least 6″.

sunlight

Water lilies need plenty of sunlight in order to grow and bloom to their fullest potential. Water lilies prefer 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day, although this amount may vary from 1 variety to another. To ensure maximum blooming, they should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, but no more than 8 hours. The best time to provide sunlight to water lilies is during the morning hours when they can absorb the warm rays of the sun. This will help to promote strong lush foliage and long lasting blossoms.

pruning

Water lilies should be pruned or thinned to remove excess foliage and seed pods. Pruning should start in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You should remove dead leaves, old flower stems, and any overcrowded stems. If the water lily has become overly large, you may want to divide it into smaller plants. Replant the divided plants in your pond and discard any excess plants. For optimal health, prune off 2-3 inches of foliage on a regular basis each year. This will help keep the overall plant size in check as well as encourage new growth.

Season

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

Water lilies typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Water lilies typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Nymphaea (incl. hybrids) or water lily typically begins in June and ends in August.

Hardiness Map