Nymphaea candida

Nymphaea candida Flower (30/06/2012, kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Wet (planting depth 10cm – 40m)

Eventual Height: 10cm (above water)

Eventual Spread: 1.2m

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Nymphaea candida is a deciduous, aquatic, perennial plant. Its dark green leaves are suborbicular with a ‘V’ notch, smooth with a waxy coating, up to 25cm across and float. Its  white  flowers have yellow stamen, numerous white petals with rounded, pointed tips, are up to 20cm across, rise on solitary stalks, float and are self pollinating Its roots are rhizomes.

Nymphaea candida, commonly known as Water Lilly, is native to much of Europe (not the UK) and south west Asia.

The etymological root of the binomial name Nymphaea is derived from Greek mythology where nymphs were minor deities  associated with specific locations, including springs or small bodies of water. Candida is from the Latin meaning ‘bright’ or ‘pure’, in reference to the flower.

Nymphaea candida (30/06/2012, kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Nymphaea candida useful as an aquatic plant in lakes and ponds.

Ecologically, Nymphaea candida is pollinated by flies and beetles.

Nymphaea candida prefers wet soils, with a planting depth in water of 10cm to 40cm. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Nymphaea candida requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in summer.

Nymphaea odorata

Nymphaea odorata Flower (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Wet (planting depth 30cm -1.8m)

Eventual Height:10cm (above water)

Eventual Spread: 5m

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Nymphaea odorata is a deciduous, aquatic, perennial plant. Its dark green leaves are round with a ‘V’ notch, smooth with a waxy coating, up to 25cm across and float. The underside of the leaf is red/ purple. Its leaves are attached to rhizomes by underwater stalks. Its fragrant white  flowers have yellow stamen, numerous white petals with pointed tips, are up to 15cm across, rise on solitary stalks and float. They open in the day time and close again in the evening and once pollinated they are pulled below water level for maturation. Its fruit is an ovoid capsule, is up to 2cm across and contains many seeds. Its roots are branched rhizomes which aid the spread of this plant.

Nymphaea odorata commonly known as the Fragrant Water Lilly, American White Waterlily or Beaver Root, is native to eastern North America. In its native habitat it is found in shallow lakes, ponds and slow moving water and typically forms monospecific stands. Compounds of this plant have a history of medicinal use. It is considered to be an invasive weed on the west coast of America.

Nymphaea odorata (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

The etymological root of the binomial name Nymphaea is derived from Greek mythology where nymphs were minor deities  associated with specific locations, including springs or small bodies of water. Odorata is from the Latin meaning ‘fragrant’, referring to the fragrance of the flowers.

The landscape architect may find  Nymphaea odorata useful as an aquatic plant in lakes and ponds. Care should be taken when specifying this plant as it will require an amount of management if it is not to dominate the habitat.

Ecologically, Nymphaea odorata is attractive to pollinating insects. Its seeds are attractive to wildfowl and mammals.

Nymphaea odorata prefers wet soils, with a planting depth in water of 30cm to 1.8m. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Nymphaea odorata may require maintenance in the form of the removal of self seeded and spreading plants.

Nymphaea alba

Nymphaea alba flower (12/06/2012, Cambridge)

Position: Full sun

Soil: Wet (planting depth 30cm -150cm)

Flowering period:Summer

Eventual Height: 10cm above water level

Eventual Spread: 2.5m

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b,11a

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Nymphaea alba is a deciduous perennial with an aquatic, floating habit. Its dark green leaves are glossy, round with a ‘V’ slot removed and entire margins and can be up to 30cm across. Its white flowers are semi-double, cup/ star shaped with yellow stamens and up to 15cm across. Its roots are rhizomes which anchor this plant to the bond bed. It prefers still to slow moving water in a large pond or lake.

Nymphaea alba leaf (08/06/2011, Cambridge)

Nymphaea alba, commonly known as the European White Water Lily, White Lotus or Neuphar, is native to most of Europe (including the UK), parts of north Africa and parts of the Middle East. The plant contains active  alkaloids nymphaeine which is a sedative and an aphrodisiac. Traditionally the roots were crushed and mixed with wine and consumed by nuns and monks.

The etymological root of the binomial name Nymphaea is derived from Greek mythology where nymphs were minor deities  associated with specific locations, including springs or small bodies of water. Alba is derived from the Latin meaning ‘white’ or ‘pale’ .

The Landscape architect may find Nymphaea alba useful as in water planting schemes within large bodies of still/ slow moving water. This plant will also help to reduce nitrogen levels in water bodies.

Nymphaea alba (08/06/2011, Cambridge)

Ecologically,  Nymphaea alba will attract water boatmen, dragonflies, damson flies and will provide cover for water dwelling animals such as frogs, newts, Great Crested Newt and water snails.

Nymphaea alba prefers wet soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It should be planted at a depth of 30cm to 150cm.

Nymphaea alba requires little maintenance. Flowers may be deadheaded to prolong the flowering period and yellow leaves may be removed to facilitate new growth.