Nymphaea alba
white water lily
- Position: full sun
- Depth of water: 45-60cm (18-24in)
- Rate of growth: average
- Ultimate spread: 150cm (60in)
- Height above surface: 0-10cm (0-4in)
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Large, cup-shaped, white flowers up to 20cm across, with a double ruff of white petals enclosing a yellow centre, sit like crowns atop round, dark green floating leaves from June to September. Our native white water lily will happily grow in water up to three metres deep. It is an excellent choice for a large, deep, wildlife pond, where the dark green leaves create a shady underwater habitat for native fish and amphibians. The shade cast by the foliage also helps check the spread of algae. - Garden care: Plant firmly in a hessian-lined aquatic planting basket filled with aquatic compost. Apply a 2.5cm (1in) top-dressing of pea shingle or gravel to prevent the top layer of the planting medium from clouding the water. The crown of the plant should protrude slightly above the surface of the planting basket. Raise the basket on bricks when the plant is young, gradually lowering them as the plant matures, so that the leaves float on the surface.
Nymphaea 'Rose Arey'
water lily
Gorgeous large blooms
Carex acutiformis
lesser pond sedge
Thrives in boggy conditions
Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea'
water lily
Showy, pale pink double flowers
Juncus inflexus
hard rush
Perfect for a boggy area
Do you want to ask a question about this?
If so, click on the button and fill in the box below. We will post the question on the website, together with your alias (bunnykins, digger1, plantdotty etc etc) and where you are from (Sunningdale/Glasgow etc). We'll also post the answer to your question!Q:
what is the best time of the year to transplant the common large pond waterlilyAsked on 2/18/2013 by gardener from east sussex1 answer
A:
Hello,
The best time to tackle this is late spring or early summer.
I hope this helps,Answered on 2/19/2013 by Helen from Crocus
Q:
Water Lily care
Hi, I bought a miniature Water Lily for my husband for Christmas which I have received and am very happy with it. I would just like to ask, how do I look after it until Christmas day? Thank you TriciaAsked on 12/7/2009 by Tricia Black1 answer
A:
Hello Tricia, You should remove all the packaging and leave it in a large tub or bucket of water in a sheltered spot in the garden until the big day. I hope this helps. Helen Plant DoctorAnswered on 12/8/2009 by Crocus Helpdesk
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