Variegated yellow waterlily
Nuphar variegata · Nymphaeaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant variegated yellow waterlily: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Type
- Perennial aquatic plant
- Flowering
- June to September
- Flowers
- Yellow, globular, 3 to 5 cm in diameter
- Foliage
- Deciduous, floating and emergent
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15 °C
- Origin
- Europe, Northern Asia, North America
- Water depth
- 0.5 to 2.5 m
Care
Sun exposure and location
Install your yellow water lily in full sun for generous flowering, ideally with a minimum of 6 hours of daily sunshine. This plant also tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Choose a spot sheltered from strong winds that could damage the leaves.
Substrate and planting
Plant the rhizome in a perforated basket filled with rich soil or natural mud, without aggressive chemical fertilizers. The pond should contain slightly acidic to neutral water. Maintain a water depth suitable for your variety (generally 0.5 to 2.5 m depending on conditions).
Water management
No watering in the classical sense is necessary: the plant lives immersed. Ensure that the water level remains stable and that water doesn't become stagnant or putrid. In a pond, a light water exchange during rainfall supports its vitality.
Nutrition
Enrich your planting substrate with quality soil or natural compost to provide basic nutrients. Avoid synthetic fertilizers which promote excessive algae growth. Light fertilization in spring can stimulate growth.
Maintenance and cleaning
Regularly remove dead or diseased leaves to prevent their accumulation and pond eutrophication. In late autumn, before the winter dormancy period, trim the faded aerial parts. Confine the rhizome if necessary to control its spread.
Pests and prevention
The yellow water lily rarely suffers from serious diseases under natural conditions. Watch for infestations of aquatic insects or water snails: remove them manually. Good ecological balance in your pond and clean water prevent most problems.
Did you know?
The great yellow water lily was long confused with other Nuphar species in Europe. It's a highly valued nectar plant for bees and pollinating insects that come to feed on the abundant pollen from its globular flowers. In wetland and stagnant water ecosystems, it plays an important ecological role by creating shelter for aquatic microfauna.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Yellow water lilyNuphar lutea
- Fragrant water lilyNymphaea odorata
- White water lilyNymphaea candida
- SpatterdockNuphar advena
- Least Water-lilyNuphar pumila
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.