Nymphaea odorata
American white waterlily
Overview
Nymphaea odorata is an aquatic perennial in the waterlily family, rooted in the mud of ponds and slow waters by a thick, branching rhizome. Round floating leaves 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) across rise on long flexible stalks, are deep green above and often reddish-purple beneath, and have a narrow notch where the stalk attaches. Fragrant white flowers 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) wide float at the surface, each with many narrow petals around a center of yellow stamens. The blooms open in the morning and close by early afternoon, lasting three to four days, from late spring into early autumn. Plants spread by the creeping rhizome and by seed to form broad colonies that can cover the water surface. They grow in still or slow water 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 m) deep, in full sun. The dense leaf cover shades the water and can crowd out other aquatic plants. Outside its native range it can become weedy in ponds and lakes. The flowers carry a sweet scent that gives the plant its name. Foliage dies back to the rhizome in winter.
Native Range
Nymphaea odorata is native to eastern and central North America, from Canada south through the United States to the Gulf states. It grows in ponds, lakes, slow streams, marshes, and ditches with still or gently moving water.Suggested Uses
Grown in garden ponds, water gardens, and natural pools for its floating leaves and fragrant flowers. The leaf cover shades water, which limits algae and shelters fish and aquatic life. It also supports frogs and pond insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow centerFoliage Description
deep green, purple beneathGrowing 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
Plants grow in full sun in still or slow-moving water 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 m) deep, rooted in heavy loam or pond mud. They flower less in shade and need warm, calm water. The rhizome spreads steadily and can cover a pond surface, so it is often grown in submerged containers to limit its reach. Established plants need little care beyond removing yellowing leaves. In cold regions the rhizome survives at the pond bottom below the ice. Plants can become weedy where introduced outside their range.Pruning
Yellowing or torn leaves and spent flowers can be cut off at the base below the water to keep the surface clear. Dividing the rhizome in spring controls the size of the colony. Thinning leaves restores open water for other plants.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons