Water Lily Nymphaea 'James Brydon' (H)
ABOUT
The James Brydon water lily is an aquatic plant known for its stunning flowers and lily pads. The flowers are the most eye-catching feature, displaying a rich, deep pink or fuchsia hue with a slight cup shape that becomes more star-like when fully open. Each blossom has numerous petals arranged in a layered fashion, creating a lush and full appearance. In the center of the flower, yellow stamens form a striking contrast against the pink petals, adding to the visual appeal. Complementing the flowers are the lily pads, which float gracefully on the water's surface. These round leaves are typically a vibrant green, providing a natural backdrop to the showy blooms. The pads have a waxy, water-repellent surface, with edges that may be slightly upturned. The overall look of the James Brydon water lily is one of serene beauty, evoking the classic image of lilies floating on a tranquil pond.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Water Lily, James Brydon Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'James Brydon'.
ToxicityTo humans
Water lilies, including the Nymphaea 'James Brydon', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from water lilies because they are not known to contain harmful substances that cause adverse effects when touched or ingested.
To pets
Similar to their impact on humans, water lilies like Nymphaea 'James Brydon' are not considered toxic to pets. They do not typically cause poisoning in animals if ingested. Consequently, there are no common symptoms associated with the toxicity of this plant to pets, as it is not known to be poisonous.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Fuchsia
Height
0-1 feet (0-30 cm)
Spread
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and beauty to ponds and water gardens with its crimson-red to pink flowers.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides a habitat for aquatic creatures such as frogs and serves as a landing pad for insects like dragonflies.
- Water Quality: Helps maintain clear water by shading the pond surface and reducing the growth of algae.
- Oxygenation: Contributes to the oxygen levels in the water, which is crucial for fish and other aquatic life.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize pond banks and prevent erosion.
- Shade Provider: Offers shade to fish and other aquatic organisms, creating a cooler environment in the hot months.
- Surface Coverage: Helps reduce evaporation from the pond, conserving water.
- Recreational Enhancement: Enhances the recreational value of garden ponds, providing enjoyment for gardeners and viewers.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of the water lily can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding subtle colors that can vary depending on the mordants used.
- Culinary garnish: Edible parts of the water lily can be used to add a decorative and unique touch to gourmet dishes, especially in high-end culinary presentations.
- Photography prop: Due to their beauty, water lilies like 'James Brydon' are often used by photographers as subjects or backdrops in artistic photography.
- Cultural symbolism: This water lily variant, due to its vibrancy and beauty, may be used in settings that require a symbol of purity and peace like in artistic installations or theater.
- Fish habitat: In ponds, water lilies provide coverage and shade for fish, creating a more suitable and protected environment for them.
- Educational use: Plant enthusiasts and botany educators use the water lily to demonstrate aquatic plant life cycles and ecology to students.
- Crafting material: Dried petals and leaves of the water lily can be incorporated into craft projects like handmade paper or pressed flower art.
- Floral arrangements: 'James Brydon' can be used in floating floral arrangements for events to create elegant water features.
- Erosion control: The roots of water lilies help stabilize the soil in water bodies and can help reduce erosion on the banks of ponds and lakes.
- Biotope aquariums: 'James Brydon' is suitable for biotope aquariums, which aim to replicate a natural ecosystem, providing authenticity and natural filtration.
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 James Brydon water lily, like other water lilies, often symbolizes purity due to its ability to emerge from murky waters with clean and perfect blossoms.
- Enlightenment: It is also associated with spiritual enlightenment, reflecting the journey of growth and understanding.
- Rebirth: The cycle of the flower closing at night and reopening in the daylight is reminiscent of rebirth or resurrection.
- Beauty: James Brydon's striking appearance, with its deep fuchsia-pink blooms, is emblematic of sheer beauty and grace.
- Peace: The floating leaves and blossoms bring a sense of calm and tranquility to the water's surface, symbolizing peace and serenity.
WaterThe Hardy Water Lily, commonly known as Nymphaea 'James Brydon', should be planted in a pond or water garden where the roots and pot are submerged underwater, often between 12 to 18 inches deep. As such, traditional watering is not required, but it’s essential to maintain the water level to keep the plant's roots adequately submerged. Depending on weather conditions, particularly in hot or dry spells, you may need to add several gallons to the pond weekly to maintain appropriate water levels. It's also vital to ensure that the water quality is maintained by checking for clarity and cleanliness, as stagnant or poor-quality water can harm the plant.
LightHardy Water Lilies like the Nymphaea 'James Brydon' thrive best in full sunlight. They should be positioned in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The light helps to stimulate blooming and supports the plant’s overall growth, although they can tolerate partial shade, blooming may be less frequent and exuberant in those conditions.
TemperatureThe Nymphaea 'James Brydon', or Hardy Water Lily, prefers warmer temperatures and will thrive in conditions between 70°F and 85°F. While the plant can survive in water temperatures as low as 60°F, blooming will not be as vigorous. Temperatures above 90°F may cause the plant stress; thus, some shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial to avoid overheating.
PruningPruning the Nymphaea 'James Brydon', otherwise known as the Hardy Water Lily, helps to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Remove yellow or dead leaves and spent flowers regularly throughout the growing season to prevent decay and maintain aesthetics. The best time for pruning is during the growing season, but in the fall, it's also important to cut back the plant to prepare for winter dormancy, focusing on trimming any foliage that's dying back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Water Lily 'James Brydon' is heavy loam soil, which provides stability and nutrient retention for the plant's rhizomes. It should be free of perlite, peat, or bark as these can float out of the pot and cloud the water. The ideal soil pH for Water Lilies is between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingWater Lily 'James Brydon' should be repotted every one to three years to ensure it has enough space to grow and to replenish nutrients in the soil. Repotting is typically done in the spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingWater Lily 'James Brydon' thrives in aquatic environments and does not require specific humidity levels in the air, as it grows in water. The plant’s natural habitat is in ponds or contained water bodies.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Water Lilies need full sun, at least 40 cm deep water. Indoor growth challenging.
Outdoor
Plant in warm, still, shallow water, in pots with loamy soil.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA.
Life cycleThe 'James Brydon' water lily begins its life as a seed that germinates in the mud of freshwater ponds or still waters. Upon rooting, the seedling develops submerged leaves that grow toward the water's surface. Once at the surface, the plant produces its characteristic floating leaves, known as lily pads, which spread out to absorb sunlight and provide surface coverage. In summer, this hardy water lily blooms, displaying vivid pinkish-red flowers that float on the water and attract pollinators. After pollination, the flower subsides back beneath the water where the ripened seeds fall from the spent bloom into the muddy bottom to begin the cycle anew. During winter, the perennial rootstock, or rhizome, enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Nymphaea 'James Brydon', commonly known as water lily, can be propagated through division, which is its most popular method. This is typically done in the spring as the plant starts to grow vigorously. To propagate by division, a piece of the rhizome (the underground stem) is carefully separated from the mother plant, ensuring that there are at least a couple of growing points or buds on the section being removed. This division should then be planted in aquatic planting media, keeping the crown of the division level with the surface of the media. It should be placed in a container and submerged to a depth of about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) in the pond or water garden, where the water is warm yet tranquil, to encourage root establishment and top growth.
