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Least Water-lily

Nuphar pumila · Nymphaeaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

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

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Scientific name
Nuphar pumila
Family
Nymphaeaceae
Foliage
Deciduous, semi-submerged and floating
Flowering
June to August, yellow flowers
Adult size
30 to 60 cm tall, moderate spread
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -20°C
Origin
Boreal and temperate zones of Europe and Northern Asia

Care

Submersion and water level

Your dwarf water lily should be planted in a stable body of water at a depth of 30 to 60 cm depending on its growth. Maintain a constant water level and avoid significant fluctuations. Still, well-oxygenated water is ideal for its development.

Light

Expose this plant to full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. A minimum of 4 to 6 hours of direct daily light encourages blooming. Insufficient light will reduce flower production.

Substrate and planting

Plant your dwarf water lily in rich substrate made of potting soil or natural silt mixed with garden soil. Use a perforated planting basket to support the plant and facilitate its removal for maintenance if needed.

Nutrition

Apply a balanced aquatic fertilizer in spring and early summer to support flowering. Favor formulations specifically designed for water lilies or a moderate application of organic matter rich in phosphorus and potassium.

Maintenance and cleaning

Regularly remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers to encourage new blooms. In autumn, clean your pond of plant debris to prevent the accumulation of organic matter that can degrade water quality.

Diseases and pests

Watch for filamentous algae that can smother the plant. Well-oxygenated water and a balanced biological ecosystem in your pond reduce the risks. Regularly inspect the leaves for any abnormal symptoms.

Did you know?

The Nuphar genus, to which the dwarf water lily belongs, was used in antiquity by northern civilizations who valued its rhizomes as a source of starch. Its discreet yellow flowers, unlike their showy Nymphaea cousins, thrive quietly in boreal zones where it grows naturally, thriving in conditions that other water lilies would find inhospitable.

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.