Nymphoides spp.
floating heart
Worldwide in temperate and tropical regions
Overview
Nymphoides is a genus of about 50 aquatic perennials in the family Menyanthaceae, the floating hearts or water snowflakes, found in still and slow fresh water across most of the world. Plants root in the bottom mud by creeping rhizomes and send up long stalks that carry rounded to heart-shaped floating leaves 3-20 cm (1-8 in) across, resembling small water-lily pads. Five-petalled flowers stand just above the water on short stalks, yellow in some species such as N. peltata and white with fringed or feathery petal margins in others such as N. indica and N. cristata. Each flower lasts about a day, with a succession opening over a long summer season. The floating leaves spread quickly across the surface and can blanket open water, and several species, including N. peltata and N. cristata, are invasive weeds outside their native range, choking ponds and slow streams. Plants tolerate a range of depths and spread by rhizome, broken leaf-stalks, and seed. The genus suits ponds and water gardens but needs containment to stop it overrunning open water.
Native Range
Nymphoides is widespread across temperate and tropical regions worldwide, with species native to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. Plants grow in ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow rivers, rooted in mud in shallow to moderately deep still water. Several species have spread well beyond their native ranges as aquatic weeds.Suggested Uses
Grown in ponds, water gardens, and submerged containers for surface cover and summer flowers, set in pots of 15-30 cm (6-12 in) width. The floating leaves shade and shelter pond life. Where a species is listed as invasive, planting is restricted and contained or non-invasive alternatives are used.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through the warm months, mainly June to September, with new flowers opening daily at or just above the water surface. Each bloom lasts about a day. The extended season keeps a scatter of flowers across the leaves for many weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green, often purple beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Nymphoides grows in full sun to part shade in still or slow fresh water 15-90 cm (6-36 in) deep over a loamy or mucky bottom. Most species are hardy in roughly USDA zones 5 to 11, depending on type, and the hardy kinds overwinter as dormant rhizomes in the mud. Growth is fast once water warms, and plants readily cover the surface. Container culture in submerged pots keeps the spreading rhizomes in check. Because several species are invasive, planting is restricted in some regions and contained cultivation is used. Still, warm, sunlit water gives the heaviest flowering and leaf cover.Pruning
Surplus leaves and stems are thinned through the season to keep open water and limit spread. Spent top growth is cleared in autumn as it dies back. Rhizomes are divided in spring to renew or contain plants in submerged pots.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons