Nymphaea Virginalis - Water lily

The Nymphaea 'Virginalis' is a water lily with a medium growth habit suitable for medium to large ponds and lakes. It produces large, dark green leaves that are deeply divided, covering an area of up to 1.2 m. From May to September, large 15 cm diameter flowers bloom in a cup shape and are pure white. They are slightly fragrant and have a golden yellow stamen. This hardy variety can be planted under 50 to 120 cm of water directly in the mud, a basket, or a container. It prefers a sunny exposure.

The hybrid water lily 'Virginalis' is a horticultural creation by Latour-Marliac (France) dating back to the early 20th century (1910). Belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family, it is an aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage. Its floating leaves appear in spring. Measuring 15 to 20 cm in diameter, or even more, they are rounded and have a wide open sinus. When young, they are bronze-coloured and gradually turn solid dark green. The vigorous plant spreads over 90 cm to 1.2 m. The generous flowering usually starts in May and continues until October. The flowers float on the water's surface, just like the leaves. They measure 15 cm in diameter and are slightly fragrant. The corollas open during the day and close at night. They are single, with about 20 to 22 petals arranged in a cup shape, pure white, revealing a golden yellow stamen. Each flower lasts for 4 to 5 days before withering and being replaced by a new one.

This floriferous water lily is perfect for medium to large ponds. It is hardy if the water is at the same depth as its rhizome and does not freeze. It blooms for long weeks, from late spring to early autumn. It is also an essential aquatic plant for maintaining a balanced water feature, contributing to water oxygenation. Its floating leaves provide shade and shelter for fish and serve as resting platforms for dragonflies and amphibians. Along the edges of your water feature, opt for white with Iris sibirica 'Not Quite White' with large white flowers and meadowsweet Filipendula purpurea 'Alba'. Add some verticality to your composition with Typha angustifolia or narrow-leaf cattail.