Red Water Lily Nymphaea 'Attraction' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Attraction', commonly referred to as a water lily, is a captivating aquatic plant that is renowned for its stunning flowers and luscious foliage. The flowers of this variety boast a mesmerizing blend of colors, typically with deep red or magenta petals that possess a gradient effect, transitioning to a lighter pink or even white near the base, creating an alluring and romantic effect. The blooms float gracefully on the water's surface, opening to reveal a cluster of bright yellow stamens at their center, which add a striking contrast against the surrounding petals. The leaves of the water lily are nearly as remarkable as the flowers. They are round and broad, with a cleft or notch at one side where the stem is attached. The foliage displays a deep, rich green hue, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. The top surface of the leaves is waxy and repels water, while the underside typically has a reddish or purplish tint. The leaves spread out over the water, creating a canopy that can provide shade and shelter for aquatic wildlife beneath. The plant displays a serene beauty that often becomes the focal point in ponds and water gardens, lending an exotic and tranquil atmosphere to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Red Water Lily, Crimson Water Lily, Attraction Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Attraction'
ToxicityTo humans
Water lily 'Attraction' is generally not considered toxic to humans. The Nymphaea genus, to which this plant belongs, is not known for having poisonous species and is not typically associated with adverse health consequences upon ingestion. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities vary, and consuming plant material may pose a risk of an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal discomfort for some people.
To pets
Water lily 'Attraction' does not have a known toxicity to pets, including cats and dogs. These plants are typically safe and are not known to cause harm if ingested. However, every pet may respond differently, and there is always a possibility of an individual animal reacting with an allergic response or gastrointestinal upset. If any unusual symptoms occur after ingestion, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
3 feet (91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-10
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Water garden aesthetic: Nymphaea 'Attraction' adds a stunning visual appeal to water gardens with its striking red blossoms.
- Habitat for wildlife: The plant provides habitat and breeding ground for aquatic wildlife like frogs and beneficial insects.
- Shade and shelter: The broad leaves offer shade and protection for fish and other aquatic creatures from predators and harsh sunlight.
- Ecosystem balance: It helps maintain the ecological balance in ponds by oxygenating the water and providing food for some species.
- Reduces algae growth: By shading the water, Nymphaea 'Attraction' can help reduce the growth of algae, which requires sunlight to thrive.
- Relaxation and stress relief: The presence of water lilies in a pond can create a peaceful atmosphere, aiding in relaxation and stress relief for onlookers.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water Garden Design: Water lilies like Nymphaea 'Attraction' are often used to create stunning designs in water gardens, adding visual appeal with their floating leaves and flowers.
- Photography Subjects: These plants are picturesque, making them favored subjects for photographers looking to capture the beauty of aquatic flora.
- Educational Tool: In biology or botany classes, the Nymphaea 'Attraction' can be used to illustrate the life cycle of aquatic plants and pollination strategies.
- Art Inspiration: Because of their beauty, water lilies can serve as inspiration for artists in various mediums, such as painting and sculpture.
- Fish Habitat: The underwater parts of the plant provide a habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures, providing them with shade and protection.
- Feeding Grounds: The leaves and flowers are sometimes eaten by turtles and other herbivorous animals that live in or near the water.
- Themed Events: For events with a botanical or aquatic theme, Nymphaea 'Attraction' can be used to decorate ponds or water features at the venue.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers can be used as elegant edible garnishes for certain dishes, although this is not a common use.
- Religious and Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, water lilies are symbolic and could be used in religious ceremonies or cultural festivals to represent purity or enlightenment.
- Crafts: Dried parts of the Nymphaea 'Attraction', such as the seed pods or leaves, may be used in crafting activities, such as making decorative items or jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe water lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe water lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Divine Beauty: Nymphaea 'Attraction', commonly referred to as Water Lily, symbolizes pure, divine beauty. This is related to its elegant bloom and its emergence from murky waters, representing enlightenment and the transformation from the ordinary to the exquisite.
- Rebirth and Enlightenment: The Water Lily's daily cycle of closing at night and re-opening with the morning sun is symbolic of rebirth and the idea of awakening or enlightenment, as it mirrors the journey from darkness to light.
- Purity: The Water Lily often grows within muddy waters, yet it blooms untainted and pristine. This has led to its symbolism of purity of heart and mind.
- Love: The alluring appearance and fragrance of the Water Lily make it a symbol of love, attraction, and passion, as the name 'Attraction' suggests.
- Peace and Tranquility: The Water Lily's habitat - calm, still waters - along with its serene appearance, give it the symbolism of peace, calm, and tranquility, often used to create a relaxing atmosphere in ponds and gardens.
- Mystery: Given its lifecycle and the depths from which it rises, the Water Lily also carries the symbolism of the unknown and the mysteries hidden within nature.
WaterWater lilies, including the 'Attraction' water lily, are aquatic plants and therefore require a unique watering method – they grow submerged in water. Typically, these plants should be planted in ponds or containers that allow for them to be fully submerged with at least 12 to 18 inches of water above the crown of the plant. They do not require watering in the traditional sense, as their roots are always in water. Instead, ensure that the water levels are maintained and top off the pond or container with water to replace any that has evaporated. As a general rule, check the water level weekly and add more if necessary, which could equate to several gallons depending on the size of your pond or container and the rate of evaporation.
LightThe 'Attraction' water lily thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom properly. Choose a spot in a pond or water garden that is exposed to full sun away from taller plants or structures that could cast shade on the water surface. Adequate sunlight is essential for the health and flowering of this plant.
TemperatureWater lilies, including the 'Attraction' variety, prefer warm temperatures and are best suited for climates where the water temperature ranges between 70°F and 85°F. They can survive in water as cool as 60°F, but will not thrive or flower well. It's crucial to protect these plants from freezing temperatures, and they typically enter dormancy when water temperatures drop below 70°F.
PruningPruning the 'Attraction' water lily involves removing dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance. Prune throughout the growing season as needed. The best time to remove old foliage and flowers is during the late spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the water lily, Nymphaea 'Attraction,' is heavy clay loam soil that is rich in organic matter. They require an acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. When planting water lilies, avoid using potting soil that floats or is high in peat, as this can cause the pot to rise out of the pond.
RepottingWater lilies like Nymphaea 'Attraction' generally require repotting every 1 to 2 years to prevent overcrowding and to replenish nutrients. It's best to repot them in the spring before the growing season starts.
Humidity & MistingWater lilies such as Nymphaea 'Attraction' thrive best in high humidity environments, as they are aquatic plants. They require constant moisture and should be grown in ponds or water gardens where the humidity level is naturally maintained by the surrounding water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in large containers with water, full light, and aquatic soil.
Outdoor
Place in ponds in full sun, needs at least 2ft depth.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Nymphaea 'Attraction' is Water Lily. The life of a Water Lily starts as a dormant rhizome or tuber, which is typically planted in spring just below the surface of a pond’s substrate in a pot. Growth begins with the rhizome sprouting roots and shoots; the shoots reach the water's surface and unfurl their first leaves, known as lily pads. Throughout the summer, the Water Lily will go through a growth stage where it produces more leaves and begins to bloom with its distinctive flowers that sit on the water's surface, lasting for several days before sinking below to decompose. The plant continues to grow and produce flowers while propagating by sending out runners for new plants or by seed if flowers are pollinated. As winter approaches, the Water Lily enters dormancy, where the leaves die back, and the rhizome survives submerged in the pond until the warmer weather of the next spring stimulates a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Water Lily 'Attraction' is most commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant out of the water, shaking off excess mud and water from the roots. Identify the rhizomes with growing points or eyes, and use a sharp knife to cut sections ensuring that each division has at least one eye. Divisions can then be planted in pots filled with heavy loam soil, leaving the growing point exposed, and placed in ponds at an appropriate depth, typically 12 to 18 inches (about 30 to 45 centimeters). To anchor the division, aquatic plant fertilizer tablets can be inserted into the soil near the root before submerging. It is important to keep the new plants well-lit and submerged at the correct depth to encourage establishment and growth.
