Fragrant water lily
Nymphaea odorata · Nymphaeaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant fragrant water lily: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Nymphaea odorata
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Type
- Perennial aquatic plant
- Flowering period
- June to September
- Flower color
- Pure white, fragrant
- Water depth
- 30 to 90 cm
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C (temperate zones)
- Origin
- North and Central America
Care
Water immersion and circulation
Nymphaea odorata thrives in clear water, slightly acidic to neutral. Maintain a constant water depth of 30 to 90 cm depending on the variety and basin surface. Gentle water circulation promotes overall health; avoid strong currents that disturb the rhizomes.
Light and sun exposure
Plant your water lily in full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily for abundant flowering. Partial shade is tolerated but will reduce flower production. Avoid dense shade, which inhibits blooming.
Substrate and rooting
Use rich organic matter soil, or even special aquatic plant compost, presented in a perforated planting basket. Enrich the basin bottom with fertile silt or loamy soil for good rhizome establishment.
Nutrition and fertilization
Apply aquatic plant-specific fertilizer (pellets or liquid) in spring and early summer. Overfeeding promotes foliage at the expense of flowering; follow recommended dosages.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly remove dead or diseased leaves to prevent basin clogging. Divide rhizomes every 3 to 4 years in spring to rejuvenate the plant and limit its spread.
Prevention and disease control
Watch for aphids, whiteflies, or water bugs that weaken the foliage. Maintain good water quality and regular circulation to prevent organic buildup and fungal infections.
Did you know?
Nymphaea odorata was revered by Indigenous peoples of North America who used its starch-rich rhizomes as nutritious food. The French botanist Claude Monet, famous for his Water Lilies, drew inspiration from this species and other hybrids to create his masterpieces in his water garden at Giverny, transforming water lilies into a symbol of Impressionism.
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
- White water lilyNymphaea candida
- SpatterdockNuphar advena
- Least Water-lilyNuphar pumila
- Variegated yellow waterlilyNuphar variegata
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.