Ellisiana Water Lily Nymphaea 'Ellisiana' (H)
ABOUT
Ellisiana is a captivating aquatic plant commonly known as a water lily. It is distinguished by its alluring cup-shaped flowers, which exhibit a dazzling vivid pink hue. The petals are numerous and gently rounded, radiating from the center, enveloping a collection of golden-yellow stamens which contrast strikingly against the pink petals. These blooms float gracefully on the water's surface, above the foliage. The leaves of the Ellisiana are almost as striking as the flowers. They are large and rounded, with a cleft at the base where the leaf meets the stem. The edges of the leaves are slightly wavy, and the top surface boasts a rich green color while the underside is often tinged with a reddish-purple hue. These leaves sit atop the water's surface, radiating outward from the plant's base on long, flexible stems, creating a lovely green pad that provides shade and habitat in the water garden. Ellisiana floats serenely in still waters, and its presence adds dramatic beauty to any pond or water garden setting. This plant thrives when provided with ample sunlight and clean, still water, presenting a display that is beloved by enthusiasts of water gardens and natural beauty alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Ellisiana Hardy Water Lily, Ellisiana Water Lily, Red Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Ellisiana' (H).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as 'Water Lily' is not typically toxic to humans. Generally, there are no significant toxic effects from ingestion of Water Lily parts, so poisoning and related symptoms are not a common concern. However, as with any plant material, individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset from consuming parts not typically used for food are possible.
To pets
The 'Water Lily' plant is also not recognized as being particularly toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of the Water Lily should not lead to poisoning for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Nevertheless, individual pets can have different sensitivities, and consumption of non-food plant parts could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 feet (91 cm)
Plant type
Aquatic
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Water Feature Aesthetic: Adds beauty to ponds and water features with its vibrant red-pink flowers.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides a habitat and breeding ground for aquatic creatures such as frogs and fish.
- Sunlight Protection: Helps reduce algae growth by shading the water with its leaves, thus preventing excessive sunlight.
- Improves Water Quality: Roots absorb nutrients from the water, potentially reducing the nutrient load and improving water clarity.
- Recreational Opportunities: Enhances the experience of water gardening for hobbyists.
- Landscape Design: Can be used as a focal point or accent in landscape design, especially in water gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nymphaea 'Ellisiana', commonly known as a water lily, can be used in aquatic Zen gardens for meditation and relaxation, offering a serene and picturesque environment.
- The large leaves of the water lily can serve as a natural feeding tray for aquatic animals when bits of food are placed on them, making observation of fish behavior easier.
- Water lilies can act as natural sunscreens in ponds, providing shade and cooler temperatures for aquatic life during hot weather.
- In large ponds or lakes, water lilies help reduce erosion by dampening waves and helping to stabilize the sediment.
- The stems and roots of water lilies can be used in the craft of basket weaving by certain indigenous communities.
- Water lilies provide a natural aesthetic for photographers and artists, who draw inspiration from their form and colors for various kinds of artwork.
- These plants can be used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, as they can help absorb certain nutrients and contaminants.
- The flowers can be used as biodegradable confetti in celebrations, reducing the environmental impact compared to plastic variants.
- The decomposing leaves of water lilies can be harvested and added to compost piles to create nutrient-rich soil for use in gardens.
- Water lilies can serve as a living laboratory for educational purposes, allowing students to study plant life cycles, aquatic ecosystems, and pollination.
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- Purity: The water lily is often associated with purity because it blooms in clean, unpolluted waters and is able to rise above the surface of murky ponds, remaining unstained.
- Enlightenment: As a plant that emerges from the depths to bloom upon the water's surface, water lilies symbolize enlightenment, reflecting the journey from ignorance to understanding.
- Rebirth: The cycle of the water lily, which closes at night and reopens with the morning sun, symbolizes rebirth and the idea of resurrection.
- Peace: The gentle and soothing appearance of the water lily provides a sense of peace and serenity, making it a symbol for calming influences in one's life.
- Beauty: With its captivating appearance, the water lily represents beauty and the admiration of things that are pleasing to the senses.
WaterWater lilies, such as the Nymphaea 'Ellisiana', require immersion in water, as they are aquatic plants. Typically, they should be planted in pots and then placed into a pond or a water garden. Ensure the crown of the plant is submerged by at least 2-4 inches of water. They do not have a traditional watering schedule but instead should always be kept in an adequate depth of water. As water levels drop due to evaporation or plant uptake, add more water to maintain the required depth.
LightThe water lily prefers full sunlight to flourish. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. An open area of a pond or water garden that receives unobstructed sunlight is ideal for this plant to grow and bloom.
TemperatureHardy water lilies like Nymphaea 'Ellisiana' thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. They can withstand temperatures as low as 32°F, surviving the winter in a dormant state if the water does not freeze at the root zone. To encourage blooming, maintain the recommended temperature range throughout the growing season.
PruningPruning is essential for the health of Nymphaea 'Ellisiana' to prevent overcrowding and to remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves, which can encourage algae growth if left in the pond. Regularly cut the dead foliage at the base during the growing season. The best time for significant pruning is in the fall when preparing the plant for winter dormancy.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Hardy Water Lily like 'Ellisiana' is heavy loam garden soil. It should consist primarily of clay and silt materials with minimal organic matter to prevent excessive nutrient leaching and water clouding. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant to thrive.
RepottingHardy Water Lilies like 'Ellisiana' generally need to be repotted every 1 to 2 years. The best time to repot is in the spring just before the growing season begins or when the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingAs an aquatic plant, 'Ellisiana' Hardy Water Lily thrives in high humidity conditions inherent to ponds and water gardens. The best humidity level is one that mimics a natural aquatic environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Ellisiana' Hardy Water Lily in a deep container with water and full sun.
Outdoor
Plant 'Ellisiana' Hardy Water Lily in a pond in full sunlight.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleNymphaea 'Ellisiana', commonly known as the 'Ellisiana' water lily, begins its life as a rhizome planted in mud at the bottom of a pond or water garden. The rhizome sprouts roots and leaves that grow toward the water's surface. Once the leaves reach the surface, they expand into floating lily pads, providing photosynthetic energy for further growth. The plant then produces buds that rise to the water's surface on long stems and open into vibrant pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers are replaced by seed pods that sink and release seeds, allowing for sexual reproduction and colonization of new areas. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, where growth slows down significantly until warmer temperatures return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Nymphaea 'Ellisiana', often known as the red water lily, is commonly propagated through the division of its rhizomes. The preferred time for the propagation of water lilies, including the 'Ellisiana', is in the spring when the plants are coming out of dormancy and beginning to grow actively. During this period, the gardener can take the mature plant and carefully divide the rhizome with a sharp knife, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point or "eye". These divided pieces are then planted in soil-filled pots and submerged in water at an appropriate depth, usually between 6 to 18 inches deep (15 to 45 centimeters). The pots are placed in a sunny location in the pond where the lilies can receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, which is crucial for their growth and blooming. After some time, the divided rhizomes will establish themselves and grow into new plants, displaying the characteristic vibrant red flowers of the 'Ellisiana'.
