Scientific Name
Nymphaea alba L.
Common Name(s)
European White Water Lily, White Water Rose, White Nenuphar
Synonym(s)
Nymphaea alba var. alba, Castalia alba, Castalia minoriflora, Castalia speciosa, Leuconymphaea alba, Nymphaea minoriflora, Nymphaea occidentalis
Scientific Classification
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Genus: Nymphaea
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: June to September
Description
Nymphaea alba is an aquatic flowering plant that grows in water up to 5 feet (1.5 m) deep. It likes large ponds and lakes. Leaves are up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and take up a spread of 5 feet (1.5 m) per plant.
The flowers are white, have many small stamens inside, and appear between June and September.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 4a to 11a: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like any other perennial, each different Water Lilies may have specific needs regarding their sunlight, soil, fertilization, water depth, and pruning requirements. When shopping for Water Lilies, be sure to check the requirements of that specific plant before you decide that you must have it! Generally, Water Lilies require a minimum of four to five hours of full sun each day to produce the most blooms. They should be planted in a large, wide pot using a slightly acidic mixture of clay and loam with a pH of 6.1-7.0. Commercial potting mixes often contain float amendments, so if you use a commercial mix, be sure it is specifically for aquatic plants! Adding a few goldfish to your pond will take care of most insect pests that attack aquatic plants as well as devour mosquito larvae.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Water Lilies.
Origin
Nymphaea alba is native to Europe.
Links
- Back to genus Nymphaea
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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