Scientific Name
Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f.
Common Name(s)
Blue Lotus, Star Lotus, Red and Blue Water Lily, Blue Star Water Lily, Manel Flower
Synonym(s)
Castalia caerulea, Castalia scutifolia, Castalia stellaris, Castalia stellata, Leuconymphaea stellata, Nymphaea bernierana, Nymphaea cyanea, Nymphaea emirnensis, Nymphaea madagascariensis, Nymphaea stellata
Scientific Classification
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Genus: Nymphaea
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: June to September
Description
Nymphaea nouchali is an aquatic flowering plant that grows from rhizomes or tubers rooted under the water. Leaves are oval to round, up to 9 inches (22.5 cm) long, with an open sinus at the leaf base where it attaches to the petiole. Leaves may spread up to 5 feet (1.5 m) from where the rhizome is rooted. Flowers are star-shaped, up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter, with 4 sepals and 10 to 16 petals. Although leaves float on the water surface, flowers are generally held up to 12 inches (30 cm) above water. They are usually pale blue (sometimes pink or white) with pale yellow stamens and anthers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °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 are using a commercial mix, be sure that 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 the mosquito larvae.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Water Lilies.
Origin
This species is native to southern and eastern Asia.
Varieties
Links
- Back to genus Nymphaea
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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