Hardy water lilies are herbaceous perennial water plants in the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae) native to many parts of the world including North America. The Genus name is Latin for "water lily" These plants vary in size depending on the species and cultivar. They generally emerge in spring from rhizomes and this is the best time to divide them if needed. Provide at least 5 hours of sun in fertile loamy soils and fertilize with an appropriate fertilizer for water lilies according to package directions. If growing in a container, use heavier clay soil to prevent it from floating. Plant the rhizomes deep enough to prevent freezing in winter. Many of these hybrid water lilies will provide a long season of blooms ranging in colors from white, pink, purple, yellow and orange. The flowers appear to float on the surface of the water although a few hold them above the water. Deadheading will encourage repeat blooming. Use them in a water garden, pond, lake or container depending on their size. Many hybrids are available. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for crown rot, waterlily aphids, waterlily beetles, midges, and leaf spot More information on Nymphaea .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Frequent Standing Water
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 6 in. | Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover (<1 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Spreading
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Orbicular
Leaf margin
Entire; Undulate
Leaf feel
Leathery
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, > 6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The round leaves are green to mottled and up to 8 inches wide. Entire to wavy margins.
Flower value
Fragrant; Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower shape
Cup
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Flower size varies per cultivar. Colors range from white to pink to peachy to purple. Cup-shaped with yellow stamens. Many are fragrant, double and can be up to 8 inches wide.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Green
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The capsule starts out green and dries to brown when the three chambers split open to release seeds
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Green floating stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Native to many countries
Wildlife value
Lily pads provide a landing place for thirsty bees and provide protection for fish. The shading helps prevent algae growth.