Nymphaea × marliacea
coloured water-lily
Overview
Nymphaea x marliacea is a group of hardy water-lily hybrids raised by the Marliac nursery in France, grown as aquatic perennials. The plant grows from a rhizome rooted in mud at the pond bottom, sending up rounded floating leaves 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) across on long flexible stalks. The leaves spread to cover 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) of water surface per plant. Cup-shaped flowers, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide, float at or just above the surface and open by day, closing in the evening. Flower colour varies by selection across white, pink, rose, and pale yellow. Bloom continues through summer, from June to September, each flower lasting three to four days. The plants need still water 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) deep over the crown and full sun for steady flowering. Leaves and flowers die back in autumn, and the rhizome overwinters below the ice line. Dense leaf cover can shade out other pond plants.
Native Range
Nymphaea x marliacea is a hybrid of garden origin, first raised in France in the late 19th century. Its parent species are hardy water lilies native to temperate Europe, North America, and Asia.Suggested Uses
Used in garden ponds, water features, and large containers of still water. The floating leaves shade the water and shelter fish, and the flowers draw pollinating insects. One plant is allowed 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) of surface, so larger ponds suit multiple plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 3"
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowers open through summer, from June to September, each lasting three to four days before sinking. Blooms open in the morning and close again in late afternoon. Steady flowering depends on full sun and warm water.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, rose, pale yellowFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in still or slow-moving water 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) deep over the crown, in full sun for at least six hours a day. The rhizome is planted in heavy loam topped with gravel in an aquatic basket, with no added floating fertiliser. Hardy in USDA zones 4–10, the rhizome overwinters at the pond bottom below the ice line. Flowering drops sharply in shade or in moving water near a fountain or waterfall. Leaves are thinned through the season to keep the surface from becoming fully covered. Crowded clumps are lifted and divided every few years in spring.Pruning
Yellowing leaves and spent flowers are removed at the base to keep the water clear. The rhizome is divided in spring when growth becomes crowded. No other pruning is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons