Water Lily

Nymphaea tuberosa Richardsonii

• Position: full sun
• Depth of water: 75-120cm (30-48in)
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Ultimate spread: 220cm (84in)
• Height above surface: 0-10cm (0-4in)
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  Large, slightly scented, magnolia-like, white flowers with several ruffs of upright, pointed petals and orange centres float on a carpet of overlapping, mid-green leaves. This vigorous water lily flowers earlier than other varieties. It needs plenty of space, so makes an excellent choice for a lake or large, deep, wildlife pond, where the leaves create a shady underwater habitat for native fish and amphibians. The shade cast by the foliage also helps to 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.