Scientific Name
Nymphaea lotus L.
Common Name(s)
Tiger Lotus, White Lotus, Egyptian White Water-Lily, Egyptian Lotus, Egyptian Water-Lily, White Egyptian Lotus, White Water-Lily
Synonym(s)
Castalia lotus, Castalia mystica, Castalia thermalis, Leuconymphaea lotus, Nymphaea acutidens, Nymphaea aegyptiaca, Nymphaea ×boucheana, Nymphaea dentata, Nymphaea hypotricha, Nymphaea leucantha, Nymphaea ortgiesiana, Nymphaea reichardiana, Nymphaea thermalis, Nymphaea zenkeri
Scientific Classification
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Genus: Nymphaea
Subgenus: Lotos
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: October to January
Description
Nymphaea lotus is an aquatic perennial flowering plant with lily pads that float on the water and blossoms that rise above the water. It grows up to 17.7 inches (45 cm) tall. The flower is white, sometimes tinged with pink, and up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
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, 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 amendments that float, 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 and devour the mosquito larvae.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Water Lilies.
Origin
This species is native to Egypt, central and west Africa, and Madagascar.
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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