Snowball Waterlily Nymphaea 'Gonnère' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Gonnère' is commonly known as the Snowball Water Lily. This aquatic plant boasts striking, fragrant blooms that closely resemble fluffy snowballs, due to their abundant, petal-packed flowers. The blooms exhibit a pure white hue with a hint of soft green near the base, adding a subtle undertone of color. Their petals possess a rounded shape and layer upon each other in a lush, peony-like form. The heart-shaped leaves of the Snowball Water Lily provide a backdrop of deep green, floating serenely upon the water's surface. These leaves often have a waxy coating and sometimes display a faint purple color underneath. The foliage spreads out around the stunning white flowers, creating a visual contrast that enhances the overall beauty of the plant. Living in an aquatic environment, the Snowball Water Lily's roots are anchored in soil beneath the water, while its leaves and flowers rise above the surface. As a water-dwelling plant, it thrives in still or slow-moving bodies of water, where its remarkable flowers bloom from spring through fall, adding elegance and tranquility to ponds and water gardens.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Snowball Water Lily, White Water Rose
Common names
Nymphaea 'Gonnère'
ToxicityTo humans
The Nymphaea 'Gonnère', commonly known as the Water Lily, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of parts of this plant.
To pets
The Water Lily is not recognized as a toxic plant for pets. Similarly to humans, there are no reported toxic effects or specific symptoms of poisoning related to the ingestion of any parts of this plant. However, it is generally advisable to prevent pets from consuming plant material to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cosmopolitan
Benefits
General Benefits- Water Beautification: Adds aesthetic value to ponds and water gardens with its attractive, snowy white flowers.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides a natural habitat and breeding ground for fish and beneficial aquatic insects.
- Shade and Cooling: Large leaves create shade over the water, helping to keep it cool and reduce algae growth.
- Water Health: Roots and leaves help filter and clean the water, maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Recreational Value: Enhances the enjoyment of water features for activities like koi pond viewing and photography.
- Educational Interest: Can be used as a learning tool for educational purposes, such as in botany and ecology studies.
- Stress Reduction: The presence of water lilies like Nymphaea 'Gonnère' in a garden setting can have a calming effect and reduce stress.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nymphaea 'Gonnère', commonly known as the Snowball Water Lily, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imbuing them with unique hues derived from its petals.
- The leaves of the Snowball Water Lily can serve as eco-friendly disposable plates or wrappers for food, a practice seen in various cultures that use large leaves for such purposes.
- Petals of the Snowball Water Lily can be added to potpourri mixtures for a light and refreshing floral scent without the use of artificial fragrances.
- When dried and pressed, the delicate flowers of the Snowball Water Lily can be used in the art of flower pressing to create bookmarks, greeting cards, and other decorative items.
- The strong fibers in the stems of the Snowball Water Lily can be harvested and potentially used in weaving small baskets or crafting sustainable ropes.
- The Snowball Water Lily can contribute to pond ecosystems as a food source for certain types of aquatic creatures, like snails and some fish that feed on plant material.
- Photographers and artists may utilize the Snowball Water Lily as a subject for their work due to its striking appearance, promoting nature appreciation and conservation through their art.
- Florists might use dried Snowball Water Lily pods for their architectural features in dry flower arrangements, adding a unique texture and form.
- During cultural and religious festivals, the Snowball Water Lily may play a role as a floating decoration on water surfaces, symbolizing purity and beauty.
- As an educational resource, the plant can serve in science classes or botanical studies, where students learn about aquatic plant life cycles, pollination, and habitat requirements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWater lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWater lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The nymphaea 'Gonnère', commonly known as 'Water Lily', is often associated with purity due to the flower's ability to emerge from murky waters clean and unspoiled.
- Enlightenment: Like other lilies, water lilies are seen as a symbol of enlightenment because of the way they reach up out of the water towards the light, reminiscent of the journey towards higher knowledge and spiritual awakening.
- Rebirth: The daily cycle of closing at night and reopening with the morning sun reflects the idea of rebirth and resurrection, illustrating the concept of new beginnings.
- Beauty: The water lily, with its striking flowers, represents beauty and the idea that true beauty can thrive in unlikely places.
- Femininity: With its soft, rounded petals and delicate appearance, the water lily can symbolize femininity and grace.
- Peace: The serene and calming presence of the water lily on still waters gives it the symbol of peace and tranquility.
WaterThe Water Lily 'Gonnère' is an aquatic plant and therefore it does not require traditional watering. Instead, it should be planted in a pond or water garden where the crown of the plant is submerged about 18 to 24 inches under the water surface. The surrounding water needs to be maintained to ensure the plant is always submerged; evaporation must be counteracted by adding water to keep the level stable. During hot summer months, water levels can drop quickly, so check weekly and add additional water as needed to maintain the appropriate depth. Excessively shallow water or drying out can harm the plant.
LightThe Water Lily 'Gonnère' thrives best in full sunlight. It prefers to be positioned in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, the plant is also tolerant of partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summers. Ideal lighting promotes healthy growth and optimal blooming.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Water Lily 'Gonnère' should be between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for active growth. It can tolerate a wider range, with a minimum temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures outside this range can affect the plant's health and blooming cycle.
PruningThe Water Lily 'Gonnère' should be pruned to remove dead or damaged leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. These can be pruned at any time during the growing season. It's best to prune early in the morning when the leaves are fully opened. Pruning in the fall is also necessary to remove any dying foliage and prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Water Lily 'Nymphaea Gonnère' is a heavy clay loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, which provides a stable structure for the roots and adequate nutrition.
RepottingWater Lilies, including 'Nymphaea Gonnère', should be repotted every one to three years to replenish nutrients, encourage growth and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & Misting'Nymphaea Gonnère', as a Water Lily, thrives best in high humidity conditions, typically found naturally over ponds and still water bodies where it is grown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth; requires ponds.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny pond area in loamy soil.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleNymphaea 'Gonnère', commonly known as the Snowball Water Lily, begins its life cycle when a hardy rhizome is planted in aquatic soil in the bottom of a pond or contained water feature. The rhizome sprouts roots and leaves that grow toward the water's surface, unfurling into floating circular leaves, called lily pads, that provide shade and habitat within the water ecosystem. Following vegetative growth, the Snowball Water Lily produces distinctive white flowers above the water surface, typically from late spring to early autumn, which are pollinated by insects attracted to their color and fragrance. After pollination, the flowers are replaced by green seed pods that sink to the bottom once mature, releasing seeds that can grow into new plants the following season. Throughout the winter, the plant enters a dormant period where the leaves die back, and the rhizome stores energy for the next growing season. The cycle repeats each year with the rhizome producing new foliage and flowers as the weather warms.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Water Lily 'Gonnère' is typically propagated by division during the early spring or late fall. The most popular method of propagation is by separating the rhizomes, which are the horizontal plant stems that typically grow underground and put out lateral shoots and adventitious roots at intervals. When dividing, you should carefully lift the entire plant out of the pond, making sure to minimize damage to the roots and the rhizome. Clean off excess soil so that you can clearly see the structure of the rhizome. Using a sharp knife, cut a section of rhizome that includes at least one growing point or "eye". It is important to then allow the cut surface to dry and callus for a day to reduce the risk of rotting. The new section can then be planted in a container filled with aquatic soil, and the container should be placed at the appropriate depth in the pond, usually between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters), to encourage growth and flowering.
