Welcome to the botanical world of Nymphaea, the genus encompassing the enchanting plants known as water lilies. For us, a pond is not merely a body of water; it is a habitat, a stage for photosynthesis, and a territory to be colonized. Our success in your pond depends on your understanding of our diverse needs, particularly our floral displays which are a direct result of our genetic makeup and environmental conditions. This guide will help you select the right varieties based on the colors we express.
From our perspective, color is not just for your enjoyment; it is an integral part of our reproductive strategy. Our vibrant flowers attract pollinators—bees, beetles, and flies—ensuring our seeds are produced and our species continue. The pigments, such as anthocyanins (which create reds, purples, and blues) and carotenoids (which create yellows and oranges), also play roles in protecting our delicate floral tissues from solar radiation. The color you see is a combination of our genetics and the specific growing conditions you provide, including sunlight intensity and water chemistry.
We, the white water lilies, often represent some of the hardiest and most vigorous species. A classic example is Nymphaea odorata, a native North American species. Our flowers are typically pure white with a brilliant yellow center, releasing a sweet fragrance to guide nocturnal pollinators. Varieties like 'Virginia' are robust, tolerant of cooler temperatures, and can spread readily. We are excellent for naturalizing larger ponds and providing a serene, moonlit glow. Our leaves are often a deep, lush green, creating a perfect backdrop for our pristine blooms.
Our sunny dispositions make us a cheerful addition to any pond. The yellow coloration comes from carotenoid pigments. A famous member of our group is 'Texas Dawn', a hardy lily known for its large, canary-yellow flowers that can stay open later in the day. We also include softer peach and apricot tones, seen in varieties like 'Colorado', which changes hue from peach to pink as it matures. We generally require full sun to develop our best color intensity. We are vigorous growers but often less invasive than some white species, making us manageable for medium to large ponds.
We are perhaps the most diverse group, ranging from the palest blush to deep fuchsia. The pink hues are due to anthocyanin pigments. For a soft, romantic effect, consider Nymphaea 'James Brydon', a hardy variety with cupped, rose-pink flowers and attractive reddish leaves. For a more dramatic statement, 'Attraction' offers large, star-shaped flowers of a rich rose-red, speckled with white. We often have a strong, pleasant fragrance. Many of us are well-suited to a range of pond sizes, but it is crucial to check the mature spread of each cultivar, as some can be quite expansive.
We are the boldest and most dramatic of the water lilies. Our deep red and purple flowers are packed with anthocyanins, which can sometimes indicate a preference for warmer water to perform optimally. A legendary variety is 'Almost Black', a tropical water lily with stunning, dark purple, nearly black flowers that rise high above the water surface. Among hardy types, 'William Falconer' offers rich, wine-red blooms. We often command attention as focal points. It is important to note that our dark flowers can absorb more heat, so in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
True blue is a color almost exclusively found among us, the tropical water lilies (subgenus Brachyceras). We cannot survive freezing temperatures and must be overwintered indoors in most of the US. However, our color is unparalleled. The famous 'Blue Aster' produces striking star-shaped, violet-blue flowers. Another marvel is Nymphaea capensis (Cape Blue Water Lily), which is day-blooming and prolific. Our leaves are often more intricately patterned with flecks or edges of purple or brown. For gardeners in warmer zones or those willing to provide winter care, we offer the most exotic and captivating floral displays.
