Red Water Lily Nymphaea 'Froebelii' (H)
ABOUT
The Nymphaea 'Froebelii', commonly known as the Froebelii Water Lily, is an aquatic plant that boasts a captivating appearance. This variety typically has lush, round leaves that float gracefully on the water's surface. These leaves often exhibit a deep green color with a waxy texture and may have a round to slightly notched shape. The most striking feature of the Froebelii Water Lily is its flowers which float above the water on sturdy stems. The blossoms are a stunning display, usually a vibrant, pinkish-red hue that can infuse the pond with vivid color. The flowers consist of multiple layers of petals that encircle a bright yellow center, creating a striking contrast against the pads and the water. The petals may have a slightly pointed tip and a soft, delicate texture. The blooms open in the daylight, revealing their exquisite form and often close again at night. Overall, the plant presents a harmonious blend of floating foliage and showy, colorful flowers that make it a standout selection in water gardens and ponds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Froebel's Water-Lily, Froebel's Nymphaea
Common names
Nymphaea 'Froebelii' (H).
ToxicityTo humans
Water lily is generally regarded as non-toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from ingesting water lily.
To pets
Water lily is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no common symptoms of poisoning reported for pets that might ingest parts of the water lily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 inches (7.6 cm)
Spread
3 feet 3 inches (99 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Nymphaea 'Froebelii', commonly known as water lily, adds aesthetic appeal to ponds and water gardens with its vibrant flowers and lily pads.
- Wildlife Attraction: The water lily provides habitat and breeding grounds for aquatic life, including frogs, dragonflies, and fish.
- Shade and Cooling: The broad leaves of the water lily create shade over the water surface, helping to keep the water cool and reducing algae growth.
- Water Quality Improvement: The roots of water lilies can help stabilize sediment and reduce nutrient levels in the water, contributing to clearer water and less contamination.
- Erosion Control: By spreading across the water surface, water lilies can prevent soil erosion along pond edges and waterways.
- Cultural Symbolism: Water lilies are often associated with peace, purity, and enlightenment, and are used in various cultural and artistic representations.
- Educational Interest: Water lilies can be used in educational settings to teach about aquatic ecosystems, plant biology, and the importance of water conservation.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation when applied topically.
- Sedative: Could potentially induce relaxation or sleep when used in herbal preparations.
- Anxiolytic: Might be used to alleviate anxiety in some traditional medicine practices.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water Lily 'Froebelii' can be used as a natural dye; the petals contain pigments that can be extracted and used to color fabrics and materials.
- This plant may serve as a source of inspiration for artists and designers, with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns influencing creative works.
- With its floating leaves and flowers, Water Lily 'Froebelii' is often used in water features and fountains as a decorative element that adds beauty and serenity to the landscape.
- The plant's sturdy leaves can be used as a natural plate or serving dish for outdoor or environmentally-friendly events.
- Water Lily 'Froebelii' is used in ponds to provide shade for fish and other aquatic creatures, helping to regulate water temperature and protect from predators.
- This Water Lily can be incorporated into educational programs, teaching children about aquatic plants, pollination, and ecosystem interaction.
- It can serve as an indicator of water quality; healthy growth of Water Lilies often signifies good water conditions, while poor growth can indicate pollution or imbalances.
- The seeds of Water Lily 'Froebelii' can be used in jewelry making, as they can be dried, drilled, and strung into unique, natural necklaces or bracelets.
- Its floating nature makes it suitable for use in kinetic water art installations, where its movement can add an interesting and dynamic component to the artwork.
- Water Lily 'Froebelii' can be used in spiritual or relaxation practices, where the presence of the plant in a quiet water garden is believed to promote peace and tranquility.
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 Nymphaea 'Froebelii', commonly known as water lily, often symbolizes purity due to its ability to emerge from muddy waters unsoiled and beautiful.
- Enlightenment: In various cultures, especially in Eastern traditions, the water lily represents enlightenment as it is associated with the unfolding of the layers of wisdom.
- Rebirth: The life cycle of the water lily, which includes retreating into the water at night and re-blooming the next day, signifies rebirth and resurrection.
- Fertility: As a plant that proliferates in aquatic environments, the water lily is frequently associated with fertility and the creation of new life.
- Peace: The serene beauty of the water lily often makes it a symbol of peace, tranquility, and calmness.
WaterThe Red Water Lily should be planted in a pond or water feature where the water depth is between 12 and 18 inches above the crown of the plant. Once established, the Red Water Lily does not need to be watered in the traditional sense, as it derives water from the pond. However, it's essential to maintain the water level to keep the leaves floating and ensure the plant does not dry out. In hot weather, evaporation may lower water levels, so it's necessary to add water to maintain the correct depth, which can vary from a few gallons to more depending on the size of your pond and the rate of evaporation, typically checked weekly.
LightThe Red Water Lily thrives best in full sunlight conditions. It should be placed in a spot within a pond or water garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in shaded areas, as insufficient light can inhibit flower blooming and overall growth.
TemperatureThe Red Water Lily is hardy in zones 3-11, withstanding temperatures as low as 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers warmer temperatures for optimal growth, ideally between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold or hot temperatures outside of this range can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPruning the Red Water Lily helps maintain its health and appearance. Remove yellow or dying leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and prevent decaying matter from polluting the water. Prune as needed during the growing season. The best time for pruning is during the spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy or throughout the summer as maintenance.
CleaningNot needed
SoilWater Lily 'Froebelii' thrives best in heavy loam soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, typically around 6.5-7.5. A mix containing approximately 60% clay and 40% sandy soil, with a layer of gravel at the bottom to anchor the roots, is ideal for this aquatic plant.
RepottingWater Lilies 'Froebelii' generally need repotting every 1 to 2 years. They should be repotted in the spring before the growing season starts, using a suitably sized aquatic plant basket.
Humidity & MistingWater Lily 'Froebelii' is an aquatic plant and does not have specific humidity requirements as it grows submerged in water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a deep, water-filled container with full light.
Outdoor
Plant in a pond in full sun and still water.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleNymphaea 'Froebelii', commonly known as the Froebelii Water Lily, begins its life as a rhizome planted in soil under water. The rhizome sprouts roots and sends up leaves to the water surface, which unfurl into large, floating pads, performing photosynthesis. As it matures, the plant produces distinctive flowers that rise above the water, blooming throughout the summer to attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers dip below the surface, where the fertilized ovaries develop into seeds. The seeds eventually detach and can disperse to grow into new water lilies. Over time, the original rhizome can also split to vegetatively produce clones of the parent plant, contributing to the spread of the lily in suitable aquatic environments.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Nymphaea 'Froebelii', commonly known as the Water Lily 'Froebelii', is usually best propagated by dividing the rhizomes in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Dividing the rhizomes involves carefully lifting the plant from the water, cleaning off any soil or debris, and using a sharp knife to cut through the fleshy rhizome. Each division should have at least one growing point or "eye" to ensure that it can grow into a new plant. These sections are then planted in containers filled with a heavy loam soil and submerged at a depth of about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) in the pond to allow the new plants to establish. It's essential to keep the divisions warm and ensure they have plenty of light to encourage growth.
