Texas Dawn Water Lily Nymphaea 'Texas Dawn' (H)
ABOUT
The Nymphaea 'Texas Dawn' is a captivating water lily known for its striking bloom. It produces large, star-shaped flowers that have a breathtaking blend of yellow at the base petal color, which can transition to a soft pink at the tips. The petals are numerous and create a full, rounded appearance. In the very center, the flowers have a cluster of bright yellow stamens which add a contrasting pop of color and attract pollinators. These blossoms float gracefully on the water surface adding to their ethereal beauty. The lily pads, or leaves, of the 'Texas Dawn' are equally impressive. They offer a background canvas of rich green, sometimes with purplish undersides or mottling, that spreads out across the water. The leaves are round to oval in shape, often with a cleft at one side and wavy to the undulating edge, providing texture and visual interest. This plant brings a sense of serenity and vibrant life to any pond or water garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Texas Dawn Waterlily, Texas Dawn Hardy Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Texas Dawn'
ToxicityTo humans
The water lily, commonly referred to as 'Texas Dawn', is not considered toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any plant material could potentially cause a negative reaction in certain individuals due to allergies or sensitivities. If a person were to ingest part of the water lily and experience symptoms, they would likely be gastrointestinal in nature, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, mainly due to the plant's foreign nature to the human diet rather than inherent toxicity.
To pets
The water lily, known as 'Texas Dawn', is also not known to be toxic to pets. It's generally considered safe for animals, and there are no widespread reports of poisoning in pets from water lilies. However, just like in humans, consumption of non-food plants can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets. If a pet were to consume parts of the water lily, they might exhibit mild gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea, but these symptoms would not typically be due to toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 inches [10 cm]
Spread
3 feet [91 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to water gardens with its pale yellow blooms.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides a natural habitat for aquatic creatures like fish and frogs, offering shelter and breeding grounds.
- Water Quality Improvement: Roots and foliage can help stabilize the pond ecosystem and reduce algae growth by using up excess nutrients.
- Shade and Temperature Control: Large leaves create shade over the water, keeping the temperature down and making the environment more pleasant for aquatic inhabitants.
- Ecosystem Balance: Contributes to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem by providing oxygen through photosynthesis.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The water lily 'Texas Dawn' can be used in water gardens not only for its beauty but also as a way to provide shade for aquatic life, like fish, helping them to hide from predators and reducing algae growth due to decreased sunlight.
- The broad leaves of the water lily can serve as biodegradable dishes or platters in environmentally friendly events or settings, showcasing natural elegance.
- With its sturdy and large leaves, 'Texas Dawn' can be used for education and art by allowing children to paint on them as an unconventional canvas or for leaf printing activities.
- Water lilies can be incorporated into landscape architecture and design, particularly in creating natural and aesthetic stormwater management solutions like rain gardens.
- 'Texas Dawn' can be utilized in natural dye production; its petals and other plant parts can add color to textiles or art materials.
- The fibrous parts of 'Texas Dawn' might be explored for making handcrafted paper, providing an eco-friendly and artistic alternative to traditional paper-making methods.
- Water lily petals, being edible, can be crystallized with sugar and used as decorative, edible elements on cakes and desserts.
- Cooking enthusiasts might use the large, water-repellent leaves as a natural base for serving food in outdoor settings, adding a unique touch to the presentation.
- In photography, the striking blooms of 'Texas Dawn' are often utilized as a natural prop or background to enhance the visual appeal of the photograph.
- Some cultures use the water lily blooms in ceremonial practices, as they are symbolic of purity, and the 'Texas Dawn' could serve such a purpose in local traditions.
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- Peace: The water lily often symbolizes peace due to its calming presence on the serene surface of ponds and lakes.
- Purity: The pure, often white flowers that bloom from the murky waters represent purity and the idea of beauty emerging from the unexpected.
- Enlightenment: Just as the water lily rises from the muddy bottom to bloom above the surface, it is seen as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and the journey from ignorance to wisdom.
- Rebirth: The water lily's cycle of blossoming in the morning and closing at night, sometimes to re-emerge the next day, can represent rebirth and the idea of life continuing in cycles.
WaterThe Texas Dawn Water Lily requires to be planted in still water bodies like ponds, where the water level should ideally cover the top of the plant by at least 2 to 4 inches. It does not require traditional watering but rather depends on a sufficient water body to thrive. If the water level drops, add more water to maintain the necessary depth. In the heat of summer, check the water levels frequently as evaporation may necessitate adding several gallons per week to maintain the correct depth.
LightTexas Dawn Water Lilies prefer full sunlight, which means they perform best with at least 6 hours of direct, unobstructed light daily. The ideal spot for planting is in a pond or a water garden that has clear exposure to sunlight without shade from trees or structures, ensuring abundant blooms.
TemperatureTexas Dawn Water Lilies thrive in warmer temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 85°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 60°F and as high as around 90°F. However, they will start to go dormant when the water temperature falls below 70°F, and will not survive if the water freezes.
PruningPrune Texas Dawn Water Lilies to maintain their health and appearance by removing yellow or dying leaves and spent blooms during the growing season. Pruning encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking its best. Perform pruning with pond scissors or by hand, carefully pulling away unwanted foliage, and the best time to do this is during the spring and summer months.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTexas Dawn Water Lily performs best in loamy soil with a pH around 6.5-7.5. A soil mix consisting of loamy garden soil and clay is ideal for potting this plant. Ensure the soil is free from pesticides and is heavy enough to keep the plant submerged underwater in a pot.
RepottingWater Lilies like the Texas Dawn typically need repotting every one to two years. They should be repotted in spring before new growth starts, or in areas with milder winters, repotting can occur during late winter.
Humidity & MistingTexas Dawn Water Lily thrives in high humidity conditions as it is an aquatic plant. It is best grown in a pond or a water garden where the humidity level is naturally high due to the surrounding water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use a large, deep container with loamy soil and place in a sunny spot.
Outdoor
Plant in muddy substrate in a pond with full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Texas Dawn Water Lily begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate underwater in mud. As it sprouts, the roots anchor the plant to the soil at the bottom of the pond while the shoots push towards the surface. Once the leaves reach the surface, they expand into floating lily pads that provide photosynthesis for growth. The plant then enters its flowering stage, typically in summer, blooming large fragrant, yellow flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon, a cycle that can repeat for several days. Following pollination, the flower sinks below the surface where the fruit develops into a berry-like structure, eventually releasing seeds to start the next generation. The Texas Dawn Water Lily is perennial, with lily pads dying back in the winter and the plant becoming dormant, only to regrow from its rhizomes once warmer temperatures return.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
The Texas Dawn water lily is usually propagated by dividing the rhizomes during the growing season, which typically spans from late spring to early summer. To propagate, carefully lift the plant from the pond and rinse off the soil. Identify the growing points or "eyes" on the rhizome, and with a sharp knife, cut sections of the rhizome ensuring each piece has at least one eye. Plant each section in heavy loam soil in a container suited for aquatic plants, submerging it to a depth of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) below the water surface. It's important to anchor the rhizome to prevent it from floating away and allow the roots to establish themselves in the soil. With proper care and favorable conditions, these new sections will grow into blooming Texas Dawn water lilies.
