[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Pond Plants – Water Lilies and Lotuses

Directory of Pond Plants

Water Lilies and Lotuses

Water lilies are among the most attractive of all pond plants and relatively easy to keep. They help to maintain the water quality in the pond, because their roots absorb nitrates produced by the decomposition of fish feces. A mat of lily leaves on the pond’s surface will reduce the amount of sunlight entering the water, protecting the fish from sunburn and restricting algal growth. It will also enable the fish to dart out of sight when a predator’s shadow darkens the pond. Do not plant tropical lilies in water that is below 75°F (24°C); otherwise, they may not grow but simply remain dormant or even rot.

Pearl of the Pool (Nymphaea ‘Pearl of the Pool’)

• ORIGINS: Bred from N. ‘Pink Opal’ crossed with N. marliacea ‘Rosea’.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome. Plants can be placed down to a depth of 30 in (75 cm).

This water lily, which was created in the US, became the first hardy cultivar to be patented in 1946. It remains popular today, since it flowers quite freely once established, especially when planted in a large container. The pink blooms are cup-shaped when they open but become stellate (starlike) as they mature. They are also fragrant, adding to the plant’s appeal. The maximum leaf diameter is about 10 in (25 cm).

Helvola (Nymphaea pygmaea ‘Helvola’)

• ORIGINS: Thought to be the result of crossings involving N. tetragona and N. mexicana.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 3 ft (1 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome. May also set seed on occasions.

This water lily’s dainty yellow flowers, which measure no more than 2 in (5 cm) in diameter, are produced in profusion. ‘Helvola’ tends to flower later in the season than its larger relatives. In addition, the blooms open and close later in the day than those of other water lilies. The small olive leaves are another attractive feature, being heavily blotched with purple on their upper surface.

Aurora (Nymphaea ‘Aurora’)

• ORIGINS: Believed to have been created by crossings of N. alba var. rubra with N. mexicana.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 3 ft (1 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

One of the so-called Marliac hybrids, the freeflowering ‘Aurora’ was created at the end of the 19th century in France by Joseph Latour-Marliac. The blooms, which typically last for three days, undergo a dramatic change in color. They are yellowish-apricot at first, darkening to orange-red on the second day, and finally appearing burgundyred before dying off. The leaves are green on top, with purple undersides.

Black Princess (Nymphaea ‘Black Princess’)

• ORIGINS: Resulted from cross-breeding between a red hardy water lily and a blue tropical variety.
• SIZE: Leaves spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

With its highly distinctive deep-red double flowers, which centrally appear blackish and measure about 5.5 in (14 cm) in diameter, this free-flowering water lily has become very popular, since being created in the US by Perry Slocum in about 1998. It is the darkest water lily currently available, with its nearest rival being Nymphaea ‘Almost Black,’ and has proved to be very hardy and vigorous, in spite of its part-tropical ancestry.

Froebeli (Nymphaea ‘Froebeli’)

• ORIGINS: This cultivar was developed from a seedling of N. alba var. rubra.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 3 ft (1 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

This late-flowering variety is an example of the dedication that can be involved in breeding water lilies. It was created in the 19th century over a period of 40 years by its creator, Otto Froebeli of Zurich, who started from a single seedling. Its petals should be burgundy-red, offset against orange-red stamens with yellow anthers. The squarish blooms are about 4 in (10 cm) across. The leaves are bronze when they first unfurl and then turn green. They are relatively small, rarely exceeding 6 in (15 cm) in width. ‘Froebeli’ flowers freely, creating an impressive display, and it is especially suitable for growing in colder areas, although it prefers a sunny site. This cultivar can even be grown successfully in a patio tub, where fish may be housed temporarily over the summer.

Gonnère (Nymphaea ‘Gonnère’)

• ORIGINS: Bred from N. tuberosa ‘Richardsonii’ crossed with another water lily of unknown origins.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

This variety is often available under the name of ‘Snowball.’ It has ball-shaped white flowers with upward-curving petals and dark green leaves that measure up to 10 in (25 cm) across. Although it grows vigorously, it has a short flowering season. Like all water lilies, it may take a year or two to become established.

René Gérard (Nymphaea ‘René Gérard’)

• ORIGINS: Ancestry is unclear; this variety was produced by Joseph Latour-Marliac’s breeding program.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

Created at the Latour-Marliac nursery in France in 1914, ‘René Gérard’ has endeared itself to pond enthusiasts because of the ease with which it can be grown. Another factor underlying its popularity is its free-flowering nature. The star-shaped blooms are relatively large compared to the leaves, measuring up to 9 in (23 cm) in diameter. The lightly fragranced flowers are predominantly rose pink, with darker flecking especially evident on the outer petals. The central area of the flower is a crimson shade, while the stamens are yellow. Variable darker streaking extends into the pale pink areas, although this inconsistency in coloring does not have universal appeal. At the back of the green, almost circular leaves there is a deep, V-shaped indentation. Mature leaves typically reach up to about 11 in (28 cm) in diameter; new leaves display an attractive bronzy tone on their upper surface.

Odorata Minor (Nymphaea odorata var. minor)

• ORIGINS: Found in Newfoundland through eastern North America to the Caribbean.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period. May self-seed.

N. odorata var. minor is a stable cultivar whose fragrant, pure white petals contrast with the bright yellow stamens and green leaves. Flower size can be increased by planting it in special aquatic soil. In the wild, its flowers vary greatly in appearance across its extensive range, with some forms having much broader petals than others.

Sunrise (Nymphaea odorata ‘Sulphurea Grandiflora’)

• ORIGINS: Created in France in 1888, probably from N. odorata var. gigantea x N. mexicana.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

The eye-catching yellow flowers of ‘Sunrise’ rank among the largest of all the hardy water lilies, up to 10 in (25 cm) in diameter. It grows well only in reasonably warm localities, however, and produces twisted leaves in the spring if the weather is cold. This plant was given the alternative name Nymphaea ‘Sunrise’ by a California supplier around 1930.

Rose Airey (Nymphaea ‘Rose Airey’)

• ORIGINS: Created in the US in 1913, probably from N. odorata stock, but precise origins are unknown.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period. May also self-seed.

This strain was created by breeder Helen Fowler at Kenilworth Gardens, Washington, D.C., and named after her cousin. It requires a large basket, about 24 x 24 x 12 in (60 x 60 x 30 cm), to allow the rhizomes to multiply. It grows slowly, but the pink flowers are fragrant and beautifully proportioned. The green leaves are purple when they first unfurl.

Lucida (Nymphaea ‘Lucida’)

• ORIGINS: From the breeding program of Joseph Latour-Marliac; its ancestry is unknown.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

As is the case with a number of other Marliac cultivars of uncertain origin, it is thought that ‘Lucida’ may have arisen simply from bee pollination during the course of Joseph LatourMarliac’s breeding program, rather than from deliberate crossings between plants. ‘Lucida’ is essentially a red variety, although the outer petals are more pinkish in color, with the stamens being deep yellow. The color of the individual flowers becomes more intense with age. The leaves, too, are attractive—their upper surfaces are green with prominent purple mottling. ‘Lucida’ flowers freely, but care needs to be taken because it is more susceptible than many other water lilies to the disease called crown rot, which is caused by Phytophthora fungus. (Make sure plants are not affected before buying.) Removing an affected water lily from the pond and treating it separately with a fungicide may resolve the problem.

Caroliniana Nivea (Nymphaea caroliniana ‘Nivea’)

• ORIGINS: Created by Joseph Latour-Marliac in 1893, this cultivar includes N. odorata in its parentage.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

The popularity of this white cultivar has faded over recent years in the face of competition from other, more free-flowering varieties. Nevertheless, it produces large, very fragrant blooms, typically up to 6 in (15 cm) across, with the leaves being entirely green on both surfaces. Plant ‘Caroliniana Nivea’ so that the rhizomes have space to spread.

Madame Wilfron Gonnère (Nymphaea ‘Madame Wilfron Gonnère’)

• ORIGINS: Created soon after 1912, but this cultivar’s ancestry is unclear.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

This beautiful pink water lily is easy to grow and will flower for many years once established, producing double blooms resembling those of a peony. It should not be confused with the cultivar known as ‘Gonnère’ (see p.377), although it does have a similar flower shape. ‘Madame Wilfron Gonnère’ is yet another cultivar created at Joseph Latour-Marliac’s nursery in Temple-sur-Lot, near Bordeaux, France, although it was not developed until after his death in 1911. The flowers of ‘Madame Wilfron Gonnère’ are rather ball-shaped when in bud, but they open rapidly and stay open until late in the afternoon. There is a slight color change as the flowers mature, with the petals becoming a darker shade of pink. Fully open, they measure about 5 in (12.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves, which can be double the flower size, are green, with early leaves often displaying a yellowish stripe in the spring.

Vesuve (Nymphaea ‘Vesuve’)

• ORIGINS: Created by M. Latour-Marliac in 1906, but this cultivar’s ancestry is unknown.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

‘Vesuve’ blooms over a longer period than most hardy water lilies. The stellate flowers, with their dark orange stamens, are predominantly red, becoming a deeper, fiery shade as they age. The concave petals are quite distinctive and often appear to be folded along their length. Because of its glowing color, this water lily was named after Mount Vesuvius, the Italian volcano.

Fulgens (Nymphaea x laydekeri ‘Fulgens’)

• ORIGINS: Created by Joseph Latour-Marliac in 1895, but this cultivar’s ancestry is unknown.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

The flowering period of ‘Fulgens’ begins in early spring and can continue into fall, with the cup-shaped, deep red blooms darkening as they mature. The stamens are fiery red, while the outer sepals around the bud are streaked with rose pink. The leaves are purplishgreen at first, turning fully green as they age. This fast-growing hybrid establishes itself quickly, flowering profusely yet not choking the pond with its leaves. It can be included in a small pond but is ideal for large expanses of water, where a number planted close together create a spectacular display. Choose a sunny site, both to encourage early growth in the spring and to maximize the flowering period. The scientific name commemorates Joseph Latour-Marliac’s son-inlaw, Maurice Laydeker, who took over the running of the nursery after his father-in-law’s death.

James Brydon (Nymphaea ‘James Brydon’)

• ORIGINS: Ancestral species probably included N. alba var. rubra, N. candida, and a N. x laydekeri hybrid.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

Created by Dreer Nurseries in Philadelphia during the late 1890s, ‘James Brydon’ soon built up an international following, which it maintains to this day. This colorful cultivar is very resistant to disease, especially to fungal crown rot. It will flower even when sited in partial shade and can grow well in shallow water. The raised goblet shape of the flowers, which reach up to 6 in (15 cm) in diameter, is particularly striking. The flowers are naturally two-toned, with paler outer petals and a more reddish center, offset against yellow stamens. The fragrance of the flowers is also unusual, being said to resemble that of ripe apples. The leaves are an attractive purplish-brown when they first unfurl but gradually change to green. The leaf shape is decidedly rounded, with just a slit rather than a V-shaped area at the rear edge.

Chromatella (Nymphaea x marliacea ‘Chromatella’)

• ORIGINS: This cultivar was bred in France from N. alba crossed with N. mexicana.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 3 ft (1 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

‘Chromatella’ (also known as Golden Cup) is a proven variety of long standing. Its yellow blooms have golden centers and measure up to 6 in (15 cm) across. The green leaves with reddishbrown blotches are attractive in their own right. Chromatella grows well even in shady places and flowers throughout the season. Check the rootstock of this vigorous plant regularly, and divide it as required. The rhizomes bear an unmistakable resemblance to pineapples.

Pink Sensation (Nymphaea ‘Pink Sensation’)

• ORIGINS: This cultivar was developed in the US as a variant of N. ‘Lustrous’.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

The flowers of this mid-20th-century American introduction are up to 8 in (20 cm) across and have silver-tipped petals. They are soft pink and cup-shaped at first, but the pink grows stronger with age and the shape becomes more stellate. There is a slight scent to the flowers, which remain open late into the day. The leaves are dark green, with reddish undersides.

Blue Beauty (Nymphaea ‘Blue Beauty’)

• ORIGINS: Crossings of N. caerulea and N. capensis var. zanzibariensis at the University of Pennsylvania in 1897.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 6 ft (2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Minimum temperature 30°F (–1°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

Although the blue coloration is not as vivid as that of its N. capensis var. parent, ‘Blue Beauty’ flowers readily and will grow in slightly shaded places. The large, fragrant daytime blooms, up to 12 in (30 cm) across, rise above the water surface on stems. The leaves, which may be twice as wide as the flowers, are green and brown on top

William C. Uber (Nymphaea ‘William C. Uber’)

• ORIGINS: Nothing has been documented regarding the origins of this water lily.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 6 ft (2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Minimum temperature 30°F (–1°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

Introduced in 1970 by Van Ness Water Gardens of California, this tropical day-blooming cultivar has grown in popularity, thanks to its striking fuschia-pink coloration and attractive scent. The leaves are green on both surfaces and measure up to 12 in (30 cm) in width, while the mature flowers can reach 9 in (22.5 cm) in diameter.

Cape Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea capensis)

• ORIGINS: This popular species occurs naturally in the Cape of Good Hope area of South Africa.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 8 ft (2.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Minimum temperature 30°F (–1°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period. Can also be grown from seed.

This day-blooming species fares well even in relatively small conservatory ponds, producing a succession of stellate, light blue blooms raised on stems. The green leaves are round, with serrated edges. The Cape Blue’s seeds can be germinated in small containers in a brightly lit aquarium with a water temperature of about 75°F (24°C).

White Delight (Nymphaea ‘White Delight’)

• ORIGINS: Introduced as recently as 1984, the origins of this day-blooming water lily are unknown.
• SIZE: Leaves may spread to about 6 ft (2 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Minimum temperature 30°F (–1°C).
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period.

Despite being called ‘White Delight,’ this water lily’s dahlialike blooms are light yellow with a darker center. The stamens, which are also yellow, blend in with the inner petals. The flowers open during the day (some tropical species are nightflowering) and measure up to 12 in (30 cm) in diameter. They have a strong scent, which is best appreciated in a conservatory pond setting. New leaves are purple-mottled on top but gradually become all green. The leaves are relatively large and tend to be raised slightly above the water. ‘White Delight’ reproduces by rhizomes, but some other tropical species produce small plantlets at the center of their leaves, which split off to form new water lilies.

Mrs. Perry D. Slocum (Nelumbo ‘Mrs. Perry D. Slocum’)

• ORIGINS: Bred from a crossing carried out by Perry Slocum involving N. lutea and N. ‘Rosea Plena.’
• SIZE: Grows to a height of about 5 ft (1.5 m).
• WATER: Not fussy about water chemistry. Min. temp. 30°F (–1°C); set 6 in (15 cm) deep to protect from frost.
• PROPAGATION: Divide the rhizome at the start of the growing period. Can also be grown from seed.

Lotuses will thrive only outdoors in areas where summer temperatures are 75–84°F (24–29°C). This particular cultivar is named after the wife of one of the most famous US breeders of water lilies and lotuses, Perry D. Slocum. Its aniseed-scented flowers measure up to 12 in (30 cm) across. On opening, they are pinkish with a yellow flush, but the following day they develop a more even pinkand-yellow coloration. On maturity, the flowers are again transformed, this time to cream with a slight pink suffusion. A well-established lotus may thus display several different-colored blooms at once. After the flowers die back, the seed capsules form, being yellow at first, then turning green. As well as being suitable for inclusion in ponds, lotuses are often grown on patios in half whiskey barrels. If fish are going to be included, put a pond liner in the barrel in case there are any residues that may be toxic. Plastic containers are a safer option.

---