Red Water Lily Nymphaea 'Escarboucle' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Escarboucle' (H), commonly known as the Water Lily, is distinguished by its vibrant and showy blossoms. These blooms exhibit a deep, intense red hue which can range from crimson to dark red, often with a slightly orange undertone. They are multi-petaled, creating a layered look that gives them a lush, full appearance. The heart of the flower features prominent yellow stamens that stand out against the red petals, adding to the visual appeal. Each flower floats gracefully on the water's surface. The leaves of the Water Lily are nearly as striking as the flowers. They float on the water as well, and are typically round in shape with a noticeable split towards the stem. The foliage is a rich green, frequently displaying splashes of purple or burgundy underneath, which is particularly pronounced when the leaves are young. This coloration provides an attractive contrast to the red flowers. The leaves also have a waxy, smooth texture, which helps in repelling water, allowing droplets to bead and roll off easily. In its aquatic habitat, the Water Lily reaches out across the water, creating a serene and picturesque presence that often serves as a habitat for pond life, such as frogs and beneficial insects. The Water Lily thrives in still or slow-moving water, lending a touch of tranquility and vivid color to ponds, water gardens, and calm water installations. Overall, the appearance of the plant is one of striking beauty, with a combination of floating blooms and foliage that can transform any suitable water feature into an area of spectacular natural interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae.
Synonyms
Red Water Lily, Scarlet Water Lily.
Common names
Nymphaea 'Escarboucle' (H)
ToxicityTo humans
The Nymphaea 'Escarboucle' is commonly known as Water Lily. Water lilies are not known to be toxic to humans. Typically, they do not cause poisoning if ingested, and there are no well-documented cases of toxicity from consuming parts of this plant. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms associated with the ingestion of water lilies to describe.
To pets
Water Lily is not generally considered toxic to pets. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that pets, such as cats and dogs, would experience poisoning from ingesting parts of a water lily. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with water lily toxicity in pets to report. However, it is always best practice to monitor pets when they are around plants, as individual animals may have unique sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Pond Aesthetics: The Nymphaea 'Escarboucle' adds vibrant color and beauty to water gardens with its deep red blossoms.
- Provides Shade for Aquatic Life: The broad leaves float on the water's surface, offering shade and shelter to fish and other pond inhabitants.
- Supports Ecosystem Balance: By providing habitat and food, it helps maintain the ecological balance of pond environments.
- Improves Water Quality: The roots of water lilies can help stabilize the pond substrate and reduce erosion, indirectly influencing water clarity and quality.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers of the water lily provide nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to the garden.
- Creates a Natural Focal Point: The distinctive and bold appearance draws attention, making the plant an ideal natural focal point for water features.
- Provides Breeding Grounds: The undersides of the leaves offer a protected area for amphibians and insects to lay their eggs.
- Reduces Algae Growth: By shading the water, the plant helps to limit the sunlight available for algae, reducing its overgrowth.
- Easy to Maintain: Water lilies, including the Nymphaea 'Escarboucle', are generally hardy and require minimal maintenance once established.
- Long Blooming Period: They typically have a long flowering season, providing enjoyment from late spring to early autumn.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The roots of the Water Lily can be used in pond filtration systems as they can help to absorb excess nutrients and reduce algae growth.
- Water Lily leaves provide shade in garden ponds, which can help to regulate water temperature and protect aquatic life.
- The stems of the Water Lily can be woven into mats or baskets in some traditional crafts, showcasing their flexibility when harvested young.
- Dried Water Lily pods can be used for decorative purposes in floral arrangements or as part of natural art installations.
- Water Lily plants can be used as an educational tool in schools to demonstrate the ecology of pond habitats and the life cycle of aquatic plants.
- The floating leaves of the Water Lily can serve as natural birdbaths or drinking stations for wildlife when close to the water's edge.
- Large Water Lily leaves can also be used as a natural canvas for art projects, where they are painted or varnished for decorative purposes.
- Water Lily seeds, not widely known for culinary uses, can be used in experimental cooking to add a crunchy texture to dishes.
- The bloom times and colors of Water Lilies can be used in garden design to create an aesthetically pleasing sequence of flowering throughout the growing season.
- In photography and cinematography, the flowers and leaves of the Water Lily can be used to create evocative scenes and convey a sense of tranquility or mystery.
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- Water Lily - Purity: The water lily often symbolizes purity and enlightenment as it emerges pristine from murky waters.
- Water Lily - Rebirth: Associated with rebirth and resurrection, echoing the way water lilies close at night and reopen with the daylight.
- Water Lily - Enlightenment: In various cultures, it represents an awakened state of consciousness, often in a spiritual context.
- Water Lily - Fertility: Its growth in water, a symbol of fertility and creation, represents new life and fertility.
- Water Lily - Beauty: With its exquisite appearance, the water lily is commonly seen as a symbol of beauty and harmony.
- Water Lily - Peace: The calming effect of water lilies on ponds and lakes associates them with peace and tranquility.
WaterThe Water Lily 'Escarboucle' needs to be planted in water, so traditional watering isn't required. Instead, make sure it is in a body of water with a depth of at least 12 to 18 inches. The roots and soil should be fully submerged, and as the plant is an aquatic, it will draw the water it needs directly from its surroundings. During the peak of its growing season in the summer, ensure that the pond or container does not evaporate below the minimum required depth. Aim to maintain a consistent water level, replenishing with additional water as needed, which could range from a few gallons weekly to monthly, depending on weather conditions and evaporation rates.
LightWater Lilies, including 'Escarboucle', thrive best in full sunlight. They should be placed in a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for a Water Lily is in a still or slow-moving body of water that isn't shaded by trees or taller surrounding plants. Adequate sunlight is crucial for the health and flowering of the Water Lily.
TemperatureWater Lilies like 'Escarboucle' prefer warm conditions and grow best in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. They can survive in temperatures as low as 60°F, but growth may slow down. It's critical to protect these plants from frost, as temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill them. The ideal growing conditions would ensure that the water where the Water Lily is situated remains within this temperature range.
PruningPruning Water Lily 'Escarboucle' involves removing yellow or dying leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's health. Cut the unwanted foliage at the base, taking care not to damage the root system. Pruning can be conducted throughout the growing season as needed, typically from late spring to early autumn. The best time for major pruning is in the spring before the plant's active growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Water Lily 'Escarboucle' is heavy loam soil, which retains nutrients well and supports the plant's growth. The ideal soil pH level for this aquatic plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. It's important to avoid using potting mixes with perlite or peat, as they can float and disrupt the water's surface.
RepottingWater Lily 'Escarboucle' should be repotted every one to two years to replenish nutrients and give it space to grow. Repotting is typically done in the spring before the growing season starts when the plant is still dormant.
Humidity & MistingAs an aquatic plant, Water Lily 'Escarboucle' thrives in an environment with high humidity levels, typical of pond or water garden settings. It does not require specific air humidity, as it grows within the water itself.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use large containers filled with water; place in sunlit area.
Outdoor
Plant in muddy substrate in ponds; full sunlight needed.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Red Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Escarboucle') begins as a rhizome planted in soil submerged under water. It then sends up shoots towards the water surface which develop into floating leaves, or lily pads, through which it can photosynthesize. The plant eventually produces distinctive reddish flowers that blossom on the water's surface during warmer months, typically from late spring through early autumn. After pollination, possibly aided by insects attracted to the flower's color and nectar, the flower closes and sinks below the surface where the fruit develops and ripens. The seeds are then released into the water to settle in the sediment and enter a period of dormancy. Once conditions are favorable, the seeds germinate and establish new rhizomes, beginning the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating a Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Escarboucle') is by division, which is best done in the spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy and beginning to grow more actively. To propagate by division, remove the plant from its aquatic environment and carefully divide the rhizome, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point or "eye." Cuts should be made with a sharp, clean knife to minimize damage. The divided pieces can then be planted in containers filled with aquatic soil, submerged in water at a depth of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters), allowing the new plants to establish. It's important to note that the cuts on the rhizomes should be allowed to dry and callus for a few hours before planting to reduce the risk of rot. This method of division encourages rapid growth and helps to rejuvenate older, overcrowded plants.
