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Description

The Nymphaea 'Moorei' is an old medium-sized, hardy hybrid, always sought after for its abundant soft yellow flowering. It is a water lily with cup-shaped flowers that bloom like stars a few cm above the surface. This bright flowering lasts all summer, beautifully complemented by slightly speckled olive-green leaves. This carefree variety is perfect for medium-sized ponds, ideally planted between 40 and 60 cm below the surface.

The Nymphaea 'Moorei' is also marketed under Nymphaea 'Mooreana'. It was obtained at the Adelaide Botanic Garden in 1885 by cross-breeding two botanical species, Nymphaea alba and N. mexicana. It is an aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage and rhizomes. It belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. This plant develops numerous floating leaves measuring 12 to 15 cm in diameter starting from spring. The leaves are rounded and have an open V-shaped furrow. They are a fairly dark green colour with some brown spots. The plant spreads over approximately 1 m². Flowering begins in June and continues until September. The flowers measure 10 cm in diameter and are solitary and slightly emergent. They open during the day and close in the evening. The petals are light yellow, and the sepals at the base of the flower are washed with pink. They have a heart filled with yellow stamens. 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. Water lilies are hardy as long as their rhizomes do not freeze in winter. It is essential to ensure that the water does not freeze at the depth where they are planted.

Choose varieties of water lilies that are easy to grow, hardy, floriferous, and above all, those that are proportionate to your pond. Water lilies are among the most beautiful perennial pond plants with their perfectly shaped flowers. Most of them bloom for long weeks until early autumn. Water lilies are essential aquatic plants for maintaining the balance of a garden pond, as they contribute to water oxygenation. Their leaves floating on the water's surface provide shade and shelter for your fish, protecting them from predatory insects such as aphids.

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 produces flowers that are sometimes diurnal, nocturnal, and occasionally fragrant.

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time June to September
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 10 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm
Spread at maturity 1.50 m
Growth rate normal
Suckering/invasive plant

Botanical data

Genus

Nymphaea

Species

alba (x) mexicana

Cultivar

Moorei

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Other common names

White Water Lily, European White Water Lily, White Lotus, Mexican Water Lily

Botanical synonyms

Nymphaea Mooreana

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

The rhizome of the 'Moorei' water lily should be planted from March to June at a depth of 20 to 60 cm (ideally between 40 and 60 cm). Plant the rhizomes of hardy water lilies in good garden soil, rich in clay or silt and free from stones (never use potting soil, as it is too rich and promotes algae growth). Give them the sunniest spot in the water feature. Space each rhizome at least 1 m apart and plant them by inserting them vertically into the soil up to the collar. In the case of a natural water feature (pond or lake), ensure the water level remains relatively stable and that the water is neither too acidic nor too alkaline (desired pH between 6.5 and 7.5).

The rhizomes can be planted in a wicker basket or a fine mesh basket that is sunk in the desired location. For classic hardy water lilies, use a pot with a diameter of 40 cm (wider than it is tall). If the bottom is muddy, attach a stone to the rhizome and throw the whole thing to the desired location. Never leave the Nymphaea rhizomes exposed to the sun or air to prevent them from drying out; plant them as soon as you receive or purchase them.

If you have fish in your pond, it is preferable to spread a layer of coarse gravel on the surface of the planted pot to deter them from digging in the soil and thus fouling the water. The development of water lilies will be optimal if grown in containers suitable for their growth.

Water lilies are hungry plants: distribute a balanced slow-release fertiliser at planting and every year at the beginning of the growing season (for example, Osmocote 10-11-18-2 with a duration of 5-6 months). During the summer, remove any leaves that grow in excessive numbers in the centre of the clump, keeping only the most vigorous ones. Also, remove any yellowed or stained leaves and emerging aquatic "weeds."

Planting period

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

Intended location

Suitable for Pond
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
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 Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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