Water Lily Nymphaea 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' (H)
ABOUT
The plant referred to is commonly known as a water lily. This particular variety showcases splendid blooms that are highly ornamental in nature. The flowers are unique, often presenting a double-flowered effect due to the numerous petals. These petals are snow-white and imbued with a creamy or slightly pink hue, arranged in a delicate, overlapping fashion that creates a full, rounded shape reminiscent of a peony. The lush, abundant petals curve gently towards the core of the bloom, creating an alluring visual texture. These blooms float gracefully on the water surface, each typically held aloft by a single, sturdy stem that emerges from beneath the water. The underpinning foliage consists of round to oval-shaped leaves. These leaves are glossy and vibrant green with an almost leathery texture, sometimes displaying a hint of purple beneath. They are integral to the plant's floating mechanism, as they spread out on the water's surface, providing support and floating capability to the structure of the plant as a whole. The overall appearance of the water lily is one of serenity and beauty, making it a highly favored choice for ornamental ponds and water features where it adds an element of tranquility and elegance. Its pristine appearance and tendency to bloom from late spring to early autumn make it a central visual attraction, and it contributes significantly to the aesthetic value of aquatic environments.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Water Lily, Madame Wilfon Gonnère Water Lily, Pink Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Madame Wilfron Gonnère', Nymphaea x 'Madame Wilfron Gonnere'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as the Water Lily is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning from ingesting the water lily, and it does not typically pose a risk if touched or consumed in small amounts. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant in humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or reactions are always possible.
To pets
The Water Lily is generally not toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs, and there are no common symptoms associated with its ingestion by pets. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants as a precautionary measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-6 inches (15-46 cm)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-10
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Water Garden Aesthetics: The Water Lily 'Madame Wilfron Gonnère' adds beauty and elegance to water gardens with its lush foliage and attractive blossoms.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides shelter and breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic creatures.
- Water Quality: Helps maintain the ecological balance of ponds by absorbing nutrients, which can help reduce algae growth.
- Shade and Cooling: Offers shade under its broad leaves, helping to cool the water and protect aquatic life from excessive sunlight.
- Surface Cover: Reduces water evaporation when it covers the water surface, conserving water in the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nymphaea 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère', commonly known as water lily, can be used in aquatic-themed photography and cinematography for its aesthetic appeal and serene vibe.
- The water lily can serve as a food source for fish and aquatic life, as they may nibble on the leaves and stems in a pond ecosystem.
- Ideal for educational purposes, the water lily can be used to teach botany, especially regarding aquatic plant life and pond ecosystems.
- In water features and fountains, the water lily can be used to add natural beauty and to help shade the water, potentially reducing algae growth.
- The strong and expansive leaves of the water lily can provide shade and shelter for amphibians, such as frogs, aiding in their habitat's microclimate regulation.
- Hobbyist pond owners may use the water lily for breeding purposes, enjoying the challenge of propagating new varieties through cross-pollination techniques.
- Cultivating water lilies like the Nymphaea 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' can play a role in water conservation efforts by reducing evaporation in bodies of water where they are planted.
- The stems of water lilies can be used in some traditional handicrafts, where they are woven or braided into decorative items.
- Water lilies can serve as biological indicators for scientists studying the impacts of pollution or climate change on aquatic environments.
- The water lily can be used in floristry and as pond decor for special events such as weddings or garden parties, floating in bowls or carefully placed in the water feature.
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: As a water lily, Nymphaea 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' is often associated with purity because it blooms cleanly and beautifully atop the water's surface, despite its roots being in murky waters below.
- Enlightenment: Resembling the Lotus in some traditions, water lilies like 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' symbolize enlightenment, rising out of the muddy waters to achieve an unsoiled state of beauty and clarity.
- Peace: The tranquil setting usually associated with water lilies in ponds and the calming effect of the plant's appearance lends itself to symbolizing peace and serenity.
- Rebirth: Similar to the Lotus, 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' is a symbol of rebirth and regeneration because they begin life in the mud and then emerge above the surface, fresh and new each day.
- Femininity: With the soft and rounded shape of its petals and the delicate nature of the flower, 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' is often seen as a representation of femininity and grace.
- Beauty: This water lily, with its lush petals and striking presence, commonly symbolizes beauty and the aesthetic pleasure drawn from nature's refined creations.
WaterThe water lily 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' should be submerged in water since it's an aquatic plant. The rhizomes are typically planted in pots filled with soil that are then placed at the bottom of a pond or a water feature to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. The plant doesn't require watering in the conventional sense, but the water level should be monitored and maintained to ensure the crown of the plant stays underwater. Top up the pond or container with additional water as needed, which could range from several gallons per week to daily additions during hot weather or if the container is small and water evaporates quickly.
LightThe water lily 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' thrives in full sunlight. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom properly. Choose an unobstructed location in a garden pond or a water feature that receives ample sunlight throughout the day for the healthiest growth and best flowering results.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the water lily 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' is between 70°F and 85°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F, but may stop blooming if temperatures exceed these limits. For optimum growth and flowering, keep the water temperature within the ideal range during the growing season.
PruningPrune the water lily 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère' to remove yellow or damaged leaves and spent flowers. This helps encourage new growth and maintain a clean appearance. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time to do a major trim is in late winter or early spring, before the new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Water Lily 'Madame Wilfron Gonnère' is heavy loam soil, which provides the necessary anchor and nutrients. They don’t thrive in potting mix or peat as these can float to the surface. This plant prefers a pH range from 6.1 to 7.5.
RepottingWater Lilies, including 'Madame Wilfron Gonnère', should typically be repotted every 1-2 years. However, if the plant is growing vigorously and outgrows its container, repotting may be done annually to provide more space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingWater Lilies like 'Madame Wilfron Gonnère' thrive in the high humidity levels found naturally above the surface of ponds and still water bodies where they are usually planted.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable indoors; requires large water bodies.
Outdoor
Plant in ponds in loamy soil, full sun.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Water Lily 'Madame Wilfron Gonnère' starts with the germination of seeds under water in muddy substrates or with the growth of new plants from rhizomes. After germination, the roots anchor into the waterbed, and the stems grow towards the water surface. Leaves, or lily pads, unfurl on the surface to gather sunlight, while initially being submerged and later floating. The plant reaches maturity and produces large, fragrant blossoms that open above the water for pollination by insects. Following pollination, the flowers close and sink below the water for seed development. Once mature, the seeds are released into the water and settle in the mud to start the cycle anew, or the plant spreads vegetatively through its rhizomes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early Summer
Propogation: The Nymphaea 'Madame Wilfon Gonnère', commonly known as Water Lily, is best propagated during the late winter to early spring, before the new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation is by dividing the rhizomes. This is typically done by taking the plant out of the water and gently rinsing the soil to reveal the rhizome structure. Healthy sections of the rhizome with at least one growing point, or "eye," can be cut away from the mother plant using a sharp knife. Each section should be approximately 3 to 6 inches long (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters). These freshly cut divisions are then planted in containers filled with soil specifically designed for aquatic plants and submerged at the appropriate depth in the pond or water feature. Roots and shoots will typically emerge within a few weeks, given proper sunlight and water temperatures.
