Euryale ferox
prickly water lily
A perennial pond plant, often grown as an annual, with thick, round, quilted green foliage. Short, thick prickly stems produce star-shaped purple-pink flowers with a white to yellow centre in summer, opening during the day. White seeds are called 'foxnuts' or 'makhana', and are a food and medicine source in parts of Asia
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Floating
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Indonesia
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in fertile soil in still or slow-flowing ponds in full sun. Performs best in locations with hot, dry summers and cold winters
Propagation
Propagate by seed indoors at a temperature of 21°C in pots, and emerse in water. Seed must be kept moist in storage. Prick seedlings out when large enough, and grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant outdoors in late spring or summer after the risk of frost has passed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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