Nymphaea candida (H)

Aquatic

A hardy, compact species of waterlily with a depth and spread of around 50cm with dark green pads. Small white flowers with a yellow centre appear from June through to September Dwarf/small cultivars reach 30–60cm (1–2ft) wide, and need water 30–45cm (12–18in) deep Medium cultivars reach 60–120cm (2–4ft) wide, and need water 45–75cm (18–30in) deep Large cultivars reach up to 2.4m (8ft) wide, and need water 75–120cm (30in–4ft) deep For a suitable planting depth in your pond, please follow the plant label guidelines

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Nymphaeaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Floating, Submerged
Genus
Nymphaea are rhizomatous, submerged aquatic perennials with floating, rounded leaves and showy, sometimes fragrant, cup- or bowl-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours, held on or above the water and followed by submerged, berry-like fruits
Name Status
Correct
Horticultural Group
Hardy Nymphaea are aquatic perennials with rounded floating leaves and showy flowers on or just above the water, with numerous narrow petals and conspicuous stamens, in white and shades of yellow, pink and red

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in undisturbed water in full sun. Plant in baskets in loamy soil with crowns just below soil surface and covered with pea shingle. Position basket so that it is covered by 15-25cm of water; as the plants establish gradually lower the plants to a depth of 50-60cm. See hardy waterlily cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established. See pond plant propagation

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Deadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly

Pests

May be susceptible to brown china-mark moth, false leaf-mining midge, water lily beetle and water lily aphid. See waterlily pests for more details

Diseases

May be susceptible to crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot