White water lily Nymphaea 'Gladstoniana' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Gladstoniana', commonly known as the White Water Lily, is a beautiful aquatic flowering plant that floats gracefully on the surface of ponds and still waters. This plant boasts large, star-shaped blooms that are typically a pure, snowy white. The blossoms feature numerous delicate petals radiating out from a central point, creating a classic and elegant floral display. At the heart of the flower, you will find a cluster of bright yellow stamens, which add a striking contrast to the white petals and serve to attract pollinators. The leaves of the White Water Lily are nearly as impressive as the flowers themselves. They are rounded, sometimes with a notched edge, and have a waxy, leathery texture. The color of the leaves is a deep, rich green, creating a vibrant backdrop for the flowers and providing excellent coverage for aquatic life below. These floating leaves are attached to long, flexible stems that anchor them to the bottom of their watery environment. The roots of this water lily are planted in the muddy bottom of bodies of water, where they extend and create a stable foundation for the plant. Overall, the White Water Lily is a stunning addition to any water garden, creating a serene and picturesque scene with its floating foliage and exquisite blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
White Water Lily, Gladstone Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Gladstoniana' (H)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Water Lily (specifically the cultivar Nymphaea 'Gladstoniana') is not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse symptoms from ingesting parts of this plant. Thus, accidental consumption is unlikely to lead to serious health consequences.
To pets
Water Lily, including the Nymphaea 'Gladstoniana' cultivar, is also not known to be toxic to pets. While it is not advisable for pets to consume plant material, as it may cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction, the Water Lily itself does not contain substances known to be poisonous to domestic animals. Therefore, the likelihood of poisoning or severe health effects from ingestion by pets is low.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0 feet 4-6 inches [10-15 cm]
Spread
4-6 feet [1.2-1.8 meters]
Plant type
Aquatic
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds beauty to ponds and water gardens with its large, pristine white flowers and attractive green foliage.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides a living environment for aquatic creatures such as fish and frogs, offering them shelter and breeding grounds.
- Water Quality Improvement: Helps maintain clear water by shading the pond surface and reducing algae growth through nutrient competition.
- Recreational Opportunities: Creates a tranquil and picturesque setting for outdoor activities like photography, bird-watching, and relaxation.
- Educational Interest: Offers learning opportunities about aquatic plant care, pond ecosystems, and the life cycles of the organisms it supports.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The large leaves of the water lily can be used as natural platforms to float small decorative items or candles on a pond for aesthetic purposes.
- Some artists use the dried seed pods of water lilies in floral arrangements or to create unique pieces of jewelry.
- The fibers from the stems and leaves of the water lily can be used in the creation of handmade papers with a unique texture.
- Water lilies are sometimes used in ponds to provide shade for fish, helping to create a more hospitable and cool environment in the heat.
- The floating leaves of the water lily can serve as a natural barometer as they close before rain, indicating a change in atmospheric pressure.
- Water lily ponds can be used for reflective photography, leveraging the plant's beauty to enhance natural landscape photography.
- The strong, broad leaves can be inspirations for artists and designers, influencing patterns in fashion, textiles, and home decor.
- In garden ponds, the water lily can help reduce algae growth by limiting sunlight penetration, thus competing with algae for nutrients.
- Water lilies can be grown in containers and used to create tranquil indoor water gardens or tabletop displays.
- Cultural events, like the Japanese Water Lily Festival, harness the beauty of water lilies to attract tourists and celebrate the flowering season.
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 white water lily, commonly representative of purity due to its crisp, clean color and its growth in serene water environments.
- Enlightenment: As the flower emerges from the mud and blooms above the surface, it is often seen as a symbol of awakening and spiritual enlightenment.
- Rebirth: With its daily cycle of closing at night and blooming again in the morning, the white water lily is symbolic of resurrection and the idea of coming into a new state of being.
- Femininity: Often associated with feminine beauty and grace, as the flower's soft shape and delicate petals can evoke a sense of gentle allure.
- Peace: The tranquil setting in which the white water lily is found, often still waters, makes it a symbol for peace and calmness.
WaterFor the White Water Lily, the key is to maintain a consistently wet environment, as they are aquatic plants. They should be planted in a pond or a water garden where the crown of the plant is submerged about 12 to 18 inches underneath the water surface. As they live in water, they do not require watering in the traditional sense, but the water level should be checked weekly to ensure it remains consistent. Top off the pond with water if necessary to compensate for evaporation, which may translate to a few gallons per week, depending on the size of your pond and the weather.
LightThe White Water Lily requires full sunlight to thrive, which typically means at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot for the White Water Lily would be an open area of a pond or water garden that is not shaded by trees or structures during the day, ensuring plenty of light to support their growth and bloom.
TemperatureWhite Water Lilies prefer warm temperatures and do best in a range of 70°F to 85°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 60°F, but growth may slow down. Ideal water temperatures for optimal growth are usually between 75°F and 80°F. It is crucial to avoid freezing conditions, as they can damage the plant.
PruningPruning White Water Lilies involves removing dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and blooming. It is best to prune during the growing season, generally from late spring to early autumn. You should prune as needed when you notice parts of the plant declining, which could be every few weeks. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also helps prevent the decaying material from polluting the water.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe White Water Lily requires a loamy, heavy clay soil mix to thrive, providing a stable anchor for its roots. The best pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.2. A soil mix specifically designed for aquatic plants or a mixture of heavy loam and clay is suitable.
RepottingWhite Water Lilies should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to replenish nutrients and allow for growth. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingWhite Water Lily thrives in high humidity conditions as it is an aquatic plant. Optimal humidity is achieved by ensuring the plant is growing in a body of water, such as a pond or water garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Hard to grow indoors, needs large water basins.
Outdoor
Place in ponds or water gardens, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleNymphaea 'Gladstoniana', commonly known as Gladstone Water Lily, starts its life when the seeds germinate in warm, still freshwater bodies. The germinated seed grows a root system that anchors it in the muddy bottom and a small shoot that rises toward the water surface. Once the shoot reaches the surface, it unfurls floating leaves, known as lily pads, which spread out to absorb sunlight. The plant then matures and produces large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom from spring to fall, opening during the day and closing at night. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers produce seeds that sink to the bottom, entering a period of dormancy until conditions are suitable for the next generation to grow. The plant also spreads through rhizomes, allowing for vegetative reproduction and the continuation of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Water Lilies, specifically Nymphaea 'Gladstoniana', are commonly propagated through the division of their rhizomes. The best time to propagate water lilies is in the spring, when the plants are coming out of dormancy and beginning to grow actively. To propagate by division, remove the water lily from the pond and wash off the soil to reveal the rhizome. Look for areas where 'eyes' or growth points are visible. Using a sharp knife, cut sections of the rhizome ensuring each piece has at least one eye. These sections can then be replanted in aquatic planting baskets filled with soil and topped with gravel to prevent the soil from washing away. The baskets are then submerged back into the pond at an appropriate depth to allow the water lily to grow and spread its leaves on the surface of the water.
