Hermine Hardy Water Lily Nymphaea 'Hermine' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Hermine' is a captivating water lily known for its stunning flowers and lush foliage. The blooms are a creamy white and feature a multitude of petals that gracefully unfold from the center to form a star-like shape. These elegant flowers sit majestically atop the water surface, drawing the eye with their serene beauty. Radiating from the heart of the flower, bright golden-yellow stamens provide a striking contrast against the soft, milky petals, enhancing the visual appeal of the blossom. The flowers emit a fresh and pleasant fragrance, which makes them even more enchanting as they waft subtle scents across the water garden. Surrounding the flowers, rounded leaves float peacefully on the water's surface. These leaves, often referred to as lily pads, have a vibrant green color and a waxy, glossy texture, which makes them repel water droplets. The surface of the leaves may sometimes display a few splashes of purplish or bronzy undertones that catch the light and add to their decorative look. At the base of the plant, underwater, there is a root system that anchors the water lily securely in place, typically in the muddy substrate of a pond or calm aquatic environment. The overall appearance of Nymphaea 'Hermine' exudes tranquility and grace, making it a popular choice for water gardens and ponds where it adds a touch of elegance and serenity.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Hermine Water Lily, Hermine Hardy Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Hermine'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Water Lily is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of Nymphaea 'Hermine' commonly should not cause any symptoms of poisoning. However, as with any non-food plants, ingesting plant material may cause discomfort or an adverse reaction in certain individuals due to allergies or sensitivities.
To pets
Water Lily is also not considered toxic to pets. Consequently, if Nymphaea 'Hermine' is ingested by pets, it is not expected to cause toxic symptoms. Nevertheless, pets can sometimes have individual reactions or experience gastrointestinal upset from eating plant material that is not part of their usual diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 feet (91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Water gardening: Nymphaea 'Hermine', commonly known as water lily, is an ornamental plant ideal for water gardens and ponds, adding visual interest and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of water features.
- Ecological balance: Water lilies help maintain the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat and food for fish and other wildlife.
- Surface coverage: By spreading their leaves across the water surface, water lilies minimize algae growth by shading the water and reducing light penetration, thus helping keep the water clean.
- Reduction of evaporation: The broad leaves of the water lily cover the surface of the water and reduce evaporation, which is beneficial in water conservation.
- Easy maintenance: Water lilies like Nymphaea 'Hermine' are relatively easy to cultivate and maintain, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts wildlife: The flowers of the water lily attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination and biodiversity within the garden.
Medical Properties- Not applicable as the plant Nymphaea 'Hermine' is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water Garden Aesthetics: The 'Hermine' water lily is often used to enhance the visual appeal of water gardens and ponds with its pristine white blooms and contrasting green leaves.
- Photography: Due to its beauty, it serves as a stunning subject for professional and amateur photographers alike, especially in the genre of nature and botanical photography.
- Ecosystem Support: This plant provides a habitat and breeding ground for various aquatic creatures, such as frogs and beneficial insects.
- Oxygenation: The 'Hermine' water lily helps to oxygenate the water, which is essential for the health of fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Shade Provider: The large floating leaves create shade in water bodies, which can help regulate water temperature and protect aquatic life from harsh sunlight.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not commonly eaten, the flowers can be used as edible decorations for gourmet dishes in high-end culinary presentations.
- Religious and Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the water lily is a symbol of purity and peace and is used in various religious and cultural ceremonies.
- Floral Arrangements: The cut flowers of the 'Hermine' can be used in floral arrangements and are particularly popular for weddings and festive occasions.
- Surface Algae Reduction: Its coverage can minimize the growth of unwanted surface algae by competing for nutrients and blocking sunlight.
- Personal Care Products: Extracts from the water lily flowers can be used in perfumes and luxury bath products for their fragrance.
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, which Nymphaea 'Hermine' is a type of, typically symbolizes purity due to its ability to emerge from murky waters untouched and immaculately clean.
- Enlightenment: It's often associated with spiritual enlightenment, as the flower's growth from mud towards the light is reflective of a spiritual journey.
- Rebirth: Water lilies close at night and reopen with the morning sun, representing rebirth and resurrection.
- Beauty: Recognized for its delicate beauty, the water lily symbolizes an idealized, unblemished beauty.
- Peace: The calm and serene appearance of water lilies on a still pond conveys a sense of peace and tranquility.
WaterThe hardy water lily, known as Nymphaea 'Hermine', should be planted in water, thus it doesn't require traditional watering. Ideally, it should be placed in a pond or container water garden where the water depth is anywhere between 6 to 18 inches above the soil surface. The plant's pot should be fully submerged, and water should be topped up as necessary to maintain the proper level, ensuring that evaporation or splashing does not expose the soil. As it is an aquatic plant, it does not require watering in the traditional sense, but rather a consistent aquatic environment. No additional water beyond what is needed to maintain the consistent depth is typically necessary.
LightThe hardy water lily needs full sun to perform best, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Position it in a spot in your pond or water garden where it will receive ample light, away from tall trees or structures that could cast significant shade. Some varieties can tolerate partial shade, but blooming may be reduced.
TemperatureNymphaea 'Hermine' thrives in a temperature range of about 70°F to 85°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 32°F during dormancy in winter and as high as 90°F. It's ideal to maintain pond temperatures within the optimal range during the growing season to ensure healthy growth and blooming.
PruningPrune Nymphaea 'Hermine' to maintain its appearance and health by removing yellow or dead leaves and spent blooms throughout the growing season. Pruning encourages new growth and flowers. The best time to prune is during the active growing season, which for water lilies is late spring through early autumn.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Water Lily 'Hermine' is heavy loam soil; avoid potting mixes with peat or perlite. The soil pH should be in the neutral range, around 6.5 to 7.5, to support healthy growth.
RepottingWater Lilies like 'Hermine' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to replenish nutrients and give space for growing roots. Repot in spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingWater Lilies 'Hermine' thrive in high humidity environments, which is naturally provided by their aquatic habitat. Humidity worries are negligible as they grow in water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use large containers with loam, submerge pots in water, provide full light.
Outdoor
Plant in ponds or containers in full sunlight and still water.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Nymphaea 'Hermine,' commonly known as the Hardy Water Lily, begins with seed germination, typically in warm, shallow waters or wetlands, where they float until they find a suitable substrate to anchor. Upon rooting, they enter the vegetative stage, growing submerged leaves that rise to the water's surface and expand, alongside a robust root system anchored in the mud. This is followed by the flowering stage, where the plant produces fragrant white blooms that open during the day and close at night, a cycle that repeats for several days. Once pollination has occurred, possibly aided by insects attracted to the flowers, the plant produces seeds, which are then dispersed to begin the cycle anew. During the fall and winter, the perennial parts of the plant undergo dormancy, lying in wait for the return of favorable conditions. With the arrival of spring, the plant breaks dormancy and resumes active growth, repeating its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Nymphaea 'Hermine', commonly known as the water lily 'Hermine', is best propagated during its growing season which is typically spring and summer. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division of its tubers. This involves carefully lifting the plant from the water and gently separating the tubers, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point or 'eye'. The divided tubers are then planted in pots filled with aquatic soil, and these pots are subsequently placed at the bottom of a pond or a water-filled container. The new plants should be positioned so that the growing points are just below the water surface, allowing for adequate sunlight and easy access to nutrients. This method allows the lily to quickly establish itself and begin growth, presenting a simple and effective means for gardeners to propagate these aquatic beauties.
