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Description

The Nymphaea 'Dauben' (synonym Nymphaea x daubenyana) is a tropical water lily closely related to the species Nymphaea caerulea, the Egyptian blue lotus, in terms of vigour, floribundity, and fragrance. It is also a viviparous variety that spontaneously produces seedlings on its leaves. This water lily has lush foliage and large, pale blue star-shaped flowers that are fragrant and open during the day. They rise above the surface and bloom from spring to autumn. It is a tropical plant that will spend the summer outdoors, on the terrace or in a container submerged in a pond. The container should be brought indoors before the first frost and kept in a place maintained at 12 to 15 °C.

The Nymphaea 'Dauben' is a horticultural creation by Daubeny (G.B) dating back to 1864. It is a perennial with deciduous foliage belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. Starting from spring, this plant develops numerous floating leaves measuring 15 to 25 cm in diameter on a mature plant. The leaves are ovate and glossy on the upper side. The young leaves are tinged with red, then turn green. With good vigour, the plant will reach 30 cm in height when flowering and spread over 80 cm to 1 m. The abundant and prolonged flowering begins in May and lasts until October. The solitary flowers, measuring 15 cm in diameter, quickly rise 30 cm above the water surface. The corollas, composed of thin, light blue petals, open around 10 a.m. and close around 5 p.m. Each flower lives for 4 to 5 days before withering, returning underwater, and being replaced by another flower. Seedlings emerge on the surface of the leaves at the point of petiole insertion. They are capable of flowering at a very young age. The flowering is followed by the formation of fruits containing numerous seeds. The fruit ripens underwater and releases floating seeds that eventually sink and germinate in the mud. Tropical water lilies cannot survive the winter outdoors in our climate. They should be planted in a manageable container andquicklyy moved in spring and autumn.

Plant only one rhizome of this Nymphaea 'Dauben' per container of 14 to 20 litres submerged under 20 to 60 cm of water. More exotic than hardy water lilies, often highly fragrant, including blue in their colour palette, tropical water lilies deserve some attention. They are collectable aquatic plants that are among the most beautiful pond plants. Most of them bloom longer than hardy varieties until early autumn. To bloom abundantly, tropical species require a minimum of 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight per day and water temperature around 20°C during the growing season. They are also nutrient-demanding plants that require regular fertilisation.

The genus name comes from the Greek nymphaia and the Latin name nymphaea, which means "water lily". The nymphs of Greek and Latin mythology inspired them. Nymphaea bears flowers that are sometimes diurnal, nocturnal, and occasionally fragrant.

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time May to October
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 15 cm
Fragrance Fragrant

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm
Spread at maturity 1.50 m
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Nymphaea

Species

(x) daubenyana

Cultivar

Dauben

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Other common names

Daubeny's Water Lily

Botanical synonyms

Nymphaea x daubenyana, Nymphaea stellata subsp. bulbifera f. Daubenyana, Nymphaea Daubenyana

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

Tropical water lilies love warmth and cannot tolerate our winters, so they must be protected from the cold. Each rhizome of the 'Dauben' water lily should be planted in a container of 14 to 20 litres submerged in 20 to 60 cm of water. Choose a lightweight and easy-to-move model (such as a plastic pot with drainage holes). When the water temperature reaches around 20 °C, the container should be moved outside and immersed in a pond, tub, or barrel. Plant the rhizomes in loamy soil, rich in clay, sticky, and free of stones (never use potting soil, as it is too light and promotes algae growth). The use of open baskets is strongly discouraged. Fill your container up to 5-8 cm from the edge. Plant your rhizomes vertically, burying them in the soil up to the collar. Place 2 to 3 Osmocote cones (NPK formula: 10-11-18+2MgO+TE) around the rhizome, burying them 5 or 10 cm into the soil. Place a layer of pumice 2-3 cm thick to secure everything. Water the substrate with the watering can to saturate it. Place the container at the correct depth in the pond or tub. Provide these tropical water lilies with a very sunny location where they will receive a minimum of 6 to 7 hours of full sun daily. Each rhizome should have about 1 m² of water surface to develop properly. Renew the fertilizer application two to three times between April and August.

To help the vegetation start, place the containers against a south-facing wall around April (depending on the region). Then, position them in their final location (for the season) as soon as frost is no longer a concern and temperatures reach 20 °C. Ensure that the water level remains relatively stable and that the water is neither too acidic nor too alkaline (desirable pH between 6.5 and 7.5).

Wintering: Tropical water lilies must be overwintered if they are not grown year-round indoors in a heated space. Outside, leave them in place until real frosts are announced. The natural decrease in water temperature is favourable for the formation of bulblets around the mother rhizome and for the plants to enter dormancy. Overwinter your tropical water lilies in their container, which you will place in a 100 to 200-liter container, ensuring the water temperature is maintained between 12 and 15 °C. Place everything in a bright space, such as a cold greenhouse or conservatory. In March, the rhizomes start growing. This is the time to divide and replant them for placement at the end of April or early May.

You can also remove the rhizome and bulblets from the water in late November, rinse them thoroughly, and store them in sphagnum or blonde peat enclosed in a "zip" bag. Place everything in a room maintained at 20°C out of the water. Replant your rhizomes and bulblets in spring when the water temperature reaches 20°C again. Start the culture in a small volume of water that heats up well during the day, for example, in a small basin exposed against a south-facing wall. Move them to their final location once growth is well underway.

Never leave Nymphaea rhizomes exposed to the sun or air to prevent them from drying; plant them upon receipt or purchase.

If you have fish in your pond, it is preferable to spread a thick layer of large gravel on the surface of the planted pot to discourage them from digging in the soil, nibbling on the rhizomes, and thus dirtying the water. During the summer, remove excessive leaves that grow in the centre of the clump, leaving only the most vigorous ones. Also, remove any yellowed or stained leaves and emergent aquatic "weeds" from the surface.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Pond
Hardiness Hardy down to 10°C (USDA zone 12) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Damp soil, flooded, muddy

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Needs to be stored

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