Family
Nymphaeaceae
Botanical Name
Nymphaea alba
Plant Common Name
European White Waterlily, Nenuphar, White Lotus
General Description
This white-flowered pond-dweller is native to most of Eurasia and portions of North Africa.
The large, dark green, circular leaves and creamy white flowers of Nymphaea alba float on pliant stems that arise from a horizontal, submerged rhizome. The leaves have a deep "notch" at their stem end. The broad, lightly fragrant, solitary blooms appear from late spring to late summer. Each flower has 12 to 33 symmetrically radiating petals and a central starburst of large yellow anthers. A plump, spherical seed pod develops after the petals fall. Plants die back to the rhizome in fall.
Like all hardy Nymphaea, white water lily requires ample light, calm shallow water, and a chilly dormant season. Waterlilies provide an excellent splash of color in ponds or water gardens.
The dried flower petals are used to make white lotus spice, which has both medicinal and mild euphoric qualities when eaten or smoked.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
-
Plant Type
Aquatics
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
-
Native To
Europe, Russia/Siberia, Northern Africa, Asia
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Poorly Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Tolerances
Wet Site
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Ample Water
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
White, Yellow, Ivory
-
Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
-
Fruit Color
Green, Tan
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Coarse
-
Foliage Sheen
Glossy
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Water Gardens
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No
