Water lilies bring vibrant colors to aquatic environments. These captivating plants, belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family, are found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waters across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Their blooms enhance the visual appeal of these habitats.
Common Flower Colors
The most frequently observed colors among water lily flowers include white, pink, yellow, and red. White water lilies often feature multiple rows of petals surrounding a bright yellow center. Pink varieties range from light, delicate hues to deeper, more vibrant shades, sometimes displaying a coral-red color. Yellow water lilies can present in soft, pale tones or bright, intense yellows. Red flowers are also common, offering rich, deep colors that stand out against the green foliage.
Diversity in Shades
Beyond these common colors, water lilies exhibit a broader spectrum of shades, including blue, purple, orange, and even multi-colored varieties. Tropical water lilies are known for their unique blue and purple blooms, colors not typically found in hardy water lilies. Some cultivars blend pink, purple, yellow, and orange, with colors transitioning across the petals. Additionally, “changeable” varieties shift color over the bloom’s life. This diversity arises from different species and hybridizations, expanding their visual palette.
Beyond Color Unique Features
Water lily flowers have notable characteristics beyond their color. Their shapes vary, from classic cup-shaped blooms to more open, star-shaped forms. Flower size differs significantly, with many types producing blooms between 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) wide, while some giant varieties can reach 46 centimeters (18 inches) across. Many are fragrant, releasing sweet aromas. Most varieties open during the day and close at night, though some tropical types are night-blooming, opening in the evening and closing by mid-morning.
Understanding Lily Pads and Their Flowers
It is important to distinguish between “lily pads” and the flowers themselves. Lily pads refer to the broad, floating leaves of the water lily plant, typically rounded with a V-shaped notch, resting directly on the water’s surface. The actual flowers are distinct structures that emerge from the water, either floating on the surface or held above the leaves on long stalks. Water lilies are rooted in the soil at the bottom of the body of water, with long stems extending upwards to support both the leaves and the showy blooms at the surface.