Water lily Nymphaea 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' (H)
ABOUT
The 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' is a striking water lily known for its captivating beauty. This plant typically showcases large, star-shaped flowers that float gracefully on the water's surface. The blooms are a radiant shade of pink, and as they open, the petals reveal a subtle gradient of colors ranging from a deeper pink at the base to a lighter hue towards the tips. At the center of each flower, a cluster of bright yellow stamens forms an appealing contrast against the pink petals, adding to the plant's visual allure. The leaves of the 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' are almost as impressive as the flowers. They are rounded in shape with a notable notch at one side. These lily pads are deep green and often have a reddish-purple underside, providing a beautiful backdrop for the blossoms and a floating mat for aquatic wildlife. With a waxy, water-repellent surface, the leaves repel water droplets, allowing them to roll off easily. As a water lily, this plant thrives in still or slow-moving bodies of water and adds an aesthetic appeal to ponds and water gardens. The flowers typically bloom from late spring through summer, drawing in pollinators and admirers alike with their showy display and occasionally slight fragrance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Water Lily, Temple-sur-lot Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot'
ToxicityTo humans
The Nymphaea 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot', commonly known as water lily, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, it's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and reactions can vary by individual.
To pets
The water lily is not known to be toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause poisoning in pets such as dogs or cats. As with humans, even though a plant may be non-toxic, it is always recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or unexpected allergic reactions.
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
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Nymphaea 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' or Water Lily adds visual interest to water gardens with its striking flowers and lily pads.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides a habitat for aquatic creatures like frogs and fish, offering them shelter and breeding ground.
- Water Quality: Water Lilies can help maintain the balance of the ecosystem in the pond, potentially reducing algae through shading the water.
- Oxygenation: Though primarily known for their surface coverage, Water Lilies do contribute to oxygenating the water, which is beneficial for pond life.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Water Lilies helps stabilize the pond soil and prevent erosion.
- Recreational Value: Water Lilies like Nymphaea add to the beauty and enjoyment of ponds and water features for activities such as photography and relaxation.
- Shade for Fish: The large leaves provide shade for fish during hot weather, which can help reduce stress on the fish.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water feature accent: The 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' variety of water lily can be used to add a pop of color and elegance to fountains and water features in residential or commercial landscapes.
- Photography subject: The vibrant blooms and peaceful setting of water lilies make them a favorite subject for photographers looking to capture the essence of tranquility in nature.
- Educational tool: Botanical gardens and educational institutions might utilize the 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' to teach about aquatic plant life cycles and pond ecosystems.
- Cultural symbol: The water lily is often associated with purity and enlightenment in various cultures and thus can be used in art and cultural festivals to symbolize these ideas.
- Natural shade provider: Large lily pads of water lilies can provide shade in ponds, helping to regulate the temperature and protect fish from direct sunlight.
- Floating garden base: Some garden designers use sturdy lily pads as a base to create small floating gardens, adding other compatible plants for a unique aquatic display.
- Theme gardens: Water lilies can be the centerpiece for a themed garden, such as a Monet-inspired garden that recreates the impressionist painter's famous water lily pond scenes.
- Fish habitat: The submerged parts of the water lily can provide a habitat for fish and other aquatic animals, offering shelter and breeding grounds.
- Culinary presentation: While not consumed, water lily blooms can be used for garnishing and as a natural decoration in high-end culinary presentations for a touch of elegance.
- Wedding decor: Water lilies are sometimes incorporated into wedding decorations, particularly in waterside ceremonies, as they symbolize new beginnings and peacefulness.
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 due to its ability to emerge from murky waters untouched and unsoiled.
- Enlightenment: In Eastern cultures, the water lily is symbolic of enlightenment as it reaches up to the light while being rooted in mud, symbolizing the journey from ignorance to wisdom.
- Rebirth: The water lily's cycle of submerging during the night and re-emerging fresh in the morning is reminiscent of rebirth and resurrection.
- Beauty: Water lilies are known for their wide floating flowers, which make them emblematic of beauty and grace.
- Peace: Water lilies grow in calm waters, leading them to be symbols of peace, tranquility, and contentment.
WaterThe Hardy Water Lily, or Nymphaea 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot', requires a unique watering approach as it is an aquatic plant. Instead of traditional watering, it is planted in a submerged pot in a pond or water garden. The plant should be placed in water between 12 to 18 inches deep and will draw the water it needs directly from its surrounding environment. There's no need to water it in the traditional sense, but it's important to maintain consistent water levels in the pond to ensure the roots can always access water. Depending on evaporation and plant uptake, you might need to add water to the pond weekly to maintain the proper depth.
LightThe best light conditions for a Hardy Water Lily are full sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If it does not get enough light, it may not bloom as prolifically. This plant thrives in an open area of a pond away from shaded spots to perform its best.
TemperatureHardy Water Lilies, including the Nymphaea 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot', flourish in a range of temperature conditions and can survive from 32°F to 86°F. They prefer a warmer climate with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F for optimum growth. Extreme cold or heat may inhibit blooming and can damage the plant, so it's important to monitor water temperature in regions with extreme weather changes.
PruningPruning Hardy Water Lilies is necessary to remove dead or decaying foliage and to encourage new growth. Trim yellowing leaves and spent flowers at the base to ensure the plant's energy is directed towards new growth. Prune regularly throughout the growing season, as needed. The best time to prune is during spring cleaning when you're preparing the pond and plants for the growing season ahead.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHardy Water Lily prefers a loamy, heavy clay soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of 2 parts clay and 1 part sand works well. Fertilize monthly for optimal growth.
RepottingHardy Water Lilies should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish nutrients and give room for growth. Best done in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingAs aquatic plants, Hardy Water Lilies thrive best in high humidity environments, typically that of a pond or still body of water where they are grown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Requires large water containers and high light to thrive inside.
Outdoor
Place in ponds or large water features; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' is a variety of water lily that begins its life as a rhizome planted in soil at the bottom of a water body. The rhizome sends up shoots towards the water surface, where they unfold into iconic lily pads, or leaves, that float and provide photosynthetic capabilities. Concurrently, flower buds develop on separate stalks and blossom above the water surface into strikingly large and colorful flowers, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers close and sink below the water, where the seeds mature. Once the seeds are ripe, they are released into the water and sink to the bottom to germinate and form new rhizomes, continuing the cycle. This water lily goes through a period of dormancy during colder months, where growth ceases and the plant conserves energy until warmer temperatures return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Water Lily 'Gloire du Temple-sur-lot' is through division. This is best done in the spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy and the temperatures begin to warm up. Gardeners will typically lift the entire plant out of the water, being careful not to damage the root system. The rhizomes, which are the thick horizontal stems from which the leaves and flowers grow, are then cut into sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have at least one growing point or "eye." These segments can then be planted in pots filled with heavy loam soil, and placed back into the pond at a depth of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters). New growth will usually emerge within a few weeks as the plant reestablishes itself.
