Nymphaea Eugenia de Lande

The Nymphaea 'Eugenia de Lande' is one of the most elegant hardy pink water lilies. It produces semi-double flowers with delicate porcelain pink petals enhanced by long orange stamens. These flowers gently float on the surface among green, round leaves throughout the summer. This variety, with its modest growth, is suitable for medium-sized water features and small ponds. Its rhizome should be planted under 30 to 60 cm of water. It is a delightful water lily that grows easily.

The 'Eugenia de Lande' water lily is sometimes marketed under the names 'Eugenia deLand' or 'Eugène des Landes'. It is a horticultural creation by Shaw dating back to 1914. It is a aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage that belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. This plant develops numerous floating leaves measuring 15 cm in diameter in mature plants starting from spring. The leaves are round, and their sinus is normally open two-thirds, sometimes completely open or almost closed. When young, they are brown in colour and gradually turn green. The plant spreads over 60 to 90 cm. The generous flowering usually begins in June and continues until late summer. The round-petaled flowers measure 10 cm in diameter and float on the water. These corollas open during the day and close in the evening. Their centre is adorned with long orange stamens that turn pink. 

Each flower lives for 4 to 5 days before withering, it returns underwater and is then replaced by another flower. The flowering is followed by the formation of fruits containing numerous seeds. The fruit ripens underwater and releases the 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 have a size proportionate to your pond. With their perfectly shaped flowers, Nymphaeas are among the most beautiful perennial pond plants. Most of them bloom for long weeks, until the beginning of autumn. The water lily is an essential aquatic plant for the proper 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 turn 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.