Nymph lilies, with their striking blooms and broad, floating foliage, bring beauty and tranquility to aquatic landscapes. These captivating plants are a popular choice for enhancing outdoor spaces like ponds and water features.
Understanding the Nymph Lily
Nymph lilies are water lilies, belonging to the Nymphaea genus. These aquatic plants feature distinctive floating leaves, called pads. From these pads emerge showy flowers that typically open during the day and close at night, though some varieties bloom nocturnally.
Water lilies are rooted in the soil by rhizomatous root systems. The name “Nymphaea” comes from Greek mythology, referring to nymphs, the feminine spirits of water bodies. This genus has a widespread distribution, encompassing both hardy and tender aquatic plants found in temperate and tropical climates globally.
Cultivating Nymph Lilies
Plant nymph lilies in late spring or early summer when water temperatures are warm. They thrive in aquatic baskets filled with heavy clay-based loam or specialized aquatic compost. When planting, position the rhizome at an angle, with the growing tip pointing upwards and towards the center of the pot, ensuring it is slightly exposed above the soil. A layer of washed pea shingle or gravel on top helps hold the soil in place and prevents fish from disturbing the roots.
Nymph lilies require ample sunlight for abundant blooms, needing a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily. Place newly planted lilies in shallower water (6-10 inches deep) to allow young leaves to reach the surface. As the plant establishes, gradually lower the basket to its optimal depth, which varies by cultivar size:
Dwarf types: 12-18 inches
Medium varieties: 18-30 inches
Large varieties: 30-48 inches
Regular fertilization supports robust growth and prolific flowering. Push aquatic plant fertilizer tablets into the soil near the rhizome, away from the plant’s immediate roots, once a month during the growing season. Basic maintenance involves removing spent flowers and yellowing leaves to keep the water clean and direct the plant’s energy towards new growth. Every two to five years, lilies benefit from division to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigorous blooming.
Overwintering strategies depend on the lily type and local climate. Hardy water lilies can remain in the pond year-round if the water depth is sufficient (at least 30 inches) to prevent the rhizome from freezing solid. In colder regions or shallower ponds, hardy lilies can be removed, and their rhizomes stored in moist sand or peat in a cool, dark, frost-free location, ideally between 33-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Tropical water lilies are sensitive to cold and are treated as annuals in temperate zones. For overwintering, their tubers can be stored in damp sand or distilled water in a cool, dark place, maintaining temperatures between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, tropical lilies can be kept actively growing indoors in a warm, well-lit environment with water temperatures around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit and 10-12 hours of artificial light.
Popular Nymph Lily Varieties
Nymph lilies encompass two primary categories: hardy and tropical water lilies, each offering distinct characteristics. Hardy water lilies survive winter freezes, making them suitable for year-round outdoor ponds. Their flowers typically float directly on the water’s surface and come in a range of colors including white, pink, yellow, and red. An example of a popular hardy variety is ‘Marliac Chromatella’, known for its yellow blooms.
Tropical water lilies, conversely, are sensitive to cold temperatures and are often cultivated as annuals in cooler regions. These varieties are celebrated for their wider spectrum of vibrant colors, which can include shades of blue and purple, and their flowers often stand elevated on sturdy stems above the water. Some tropical lilies are also unique for their night-blooming habits. Examples include ‘Blue Beauty’ with its captivating blue flowers and ‘Star of Siam’.
Ecological Role and Benefits
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, nymph lilies play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems. Their broad leaves provide shade, which helps to cool the water and suppress the growth of algae by blocking sunlight. This natural shading contributes to clearer water and a more stable environment for pond inhabitants.
Water lily foliage and root systems offer essential habitat and shelter for aquatic organisms, including fish, insects, and amphibians, protecting them from predators and serving as breeding grounds. The plants absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the water, which helps to filter the water and mitigate eutrophication, a process that can lead to excessive algae blooms. Through photosynthesis, water lilies also release oxygen into the water, benefiting fish and other aquatic life. Their roots also contribute to stabilizing the pond bottom.