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Yellow water lily

Nuphar lutea · Nymphaeaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant yellow water lily: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
June to September
Adult size
Leaves 20 to 40 cm in diameter
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -15°C)
Origin
Europe, Asia, North Africa
Type of habitat
Ponds, lakes, still waters

Care

Submersion and depth

The yellow water lily thrives when completely submerged. Install it at a depth of 30 cm to 1.5 m depending on the variety. Still or slowly moving waters suit it perfectly. Check that the water level remains stable and doesn't drop during summer.

Light and location

Choose a full sun position for abundant flowering (minimum 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight). It tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Select a spot protected from wind and overly turbulent waters.

Substrate and rooting

Plant the rhizome in rich aquatic basin soil or a mixture of clay and well-stabilized compost. Use a permeable basket or specific tub to control its growth. Rich silt and natural mud also work very well.

Aquatic nutrition

Apply specialized fertilizer for aquatic plants in spring when growth resumes. A modest amount is sufficient as water and substrate already provide minerals. Avoid over-fertilizing, which promotes algae growth.

Cleaning and maintenance

Regularly remove dead or yellowed leaves to prevent rot and water quality degradation. Pinch back vigorous stems to contain the plant. Remove spent flowers if you want a tidy appearance.

Pests and common problems

Leaves can be affected by spots or rot in polluted stagnant water. Aphids and spider mites occasionally attack emergent foliage. Maintain good water circulation and remove debris to prevent fungal diseases.

Did you know?

The yellow water lily has been used for millennia in traditional European and Asian medicine for its presumed calming properties. Its rhizomes served as a food source in certain Eastern European regions. Its golden yellow globular flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, following a remarkable nycthemeral cycle.

Where to buy it

Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.