Nymphaea Cynthia Ann

The Nymphaea 'Cynthia Ann' is one of the hardy water lilies that produces the most flowers in a year: they bloom in small clusters for almost 6 months, from May to October. This medium to large cultivar is also distinguished by its beautiful flowers in soft and warm colours of dawn, carried by long peduncles above the water. It is a water lily suitable for medium to large bodies of water, its rhizome should be planted under 40 cm to 1 m of water.

The Nymphaea 'Cynthia Ann' is a creation of Dr. Robert Kirk Strawn (U.S.A) dating back to 2001. It is a aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage from the Nymphaeaceae family. This plant develops numerous floating leaves measuring 12 to 14 cm in diameter starting from spring. They are round and their sinus is open two-thirds, sometimes completely open or almost closed. The young leaves are tinted with bronze, then they turn dark olive green as they unfold, while retaining irregular brown or purple spots. The plant spreads over 1.20 m to 1.50 m. The early flowering usually begins in May and sometimes lasts until November, depending on the climate. The solitary flowers, 12 to 14 cm in diameter, emerge distinctly from the water. At blooming, they have a cup shape, then they open up like stars. The petals are lanceolate and pointed. They display a range of rich and soft colours including cream yellow, peach, and salmon pink with coppery reflections. They surround a cluster of dark yellow stamens. These corollas open during the day and close in the evening. Each flower lives for 4 to 5 days before withering, it returns underwater and is replaced by another flower. The flowering is followed by the formation of fruits containing numerous seeds. The fruit ripens underwater and releases floating seeds that will eventually sink and germinate in the mud. Water lilies are hardy as long as their rhizome does not freeze in winter. It is important to ensure that the water does not freeze at the depth where they are planted.

Choose varieties of water lilies that are easy, hardy, and floriferous, and above all, those that are proportionate to your pond. With their perfectly shaped flowers, Nymphaeas are among the most beautiful perennial pond plants. Most of them bloom for many weeks, until early autumn. The water lily is an essential aquatic plant for maintaining the balance of a garden pond, as it contributes to the oxygenation of the water. Its leaves floating on the water's surface will provide shade and shelter for your fish, which in return will protect them from predatory insects such as aphids.

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