Nuphar lutea
yellow waterlily
An aquatic plant with leathery leaves, slightly oval in shape, to 40cm across. Yellow, cupped flowers are borne on stalks rising above the water from early summer to early autumn; the plant gets one of its common names, "brandy bottle" from their scent
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Submerged, Floating
- Genus
Nuphar are deciduous submerged aquatic perennials with ovate or rounded floating leaves and solitary, globose flowers held just above the water surface
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E USA, W Indies, N Africa, Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers sun or partial shade and thrives in still or slow-running fresh water to a depth of 2-5m. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See pond plants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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