White Water Lily
Nymphaea alba
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Pl. 16CA — Nymphaea alba
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IOverview
Overview
The White Water Lily (Nymphaea alba) is a perennial herb that thrives in various European and Asian habitats, from Albania to Ukraine, and as far east as the West Himalaya. Known for its ornamental value and edible parts, this lily can be found growing in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5. Its root and seeds are edible, making it a useful plant both in gardens and for culinary purposes. One distinctive feature is the white, fragrant flowers that emerge from the water, often reaching up to 12 inches across, while another notable trait is its light-loving nature, thriving best in environments with plenty of sunlight.
Quick answers
What is White Water Lily?
The White Water Lily (Nymphaea alba) is a perennial herb that thrives in various European and Asian habitats, from Albania to Ukraine, and as far east as the West Himalaya. Known for its ornamental value and edible parts, this lily can be found growing in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
White Water Lily thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7-7.5 and prefers water environments. It is hardy in temperate regions (zones 4-8) and requires plenty of sunlight. For propagation, seeds or division can be used. Ensure the soil is not too heavy; sandy, medium, or clay soils are suitable. Regular watering is essential for its growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow White Water Lily for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple water garden setup to grow White Water Lilies.
- 1
What you'll need
A large container, aquatic planting medium, and young plants or seeds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the water temperature is above 68°F (20°C).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container at least 18 inches deep with aquatic planting medium. Ensure it has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into the center of the container, covering roots with soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep water level consistent and avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Monitor water quality, add aquatic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, and trim dead leaves regularly.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune flowers after they fade to encourage new blooms. Remove dead foliage throughout the season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootSeed
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe17 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaTunisia
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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