Nymphaea Jean de la Marsalle

The Nymphaea 'Jean de la Marsalle' ( or Jean de Lamarsalle) is a variety of hardy water lily that is always noticed for its unusually shaped flowers in shades of red to bright pink. These flowers somewhat resemble large colchicums, simple and natural. They generously bloom throughout the summer among beautiful, vibrant green leaves. This vigorous variety is suitable for medium to large ponds, but we particularly recommend it for medium-sized bodies of water. It can tolerate partial shade.

The 'Jean de la marsalle' water lily is a horticultural creation by Latour-Marliac (France) dating back to 1936. It is a aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage that belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. This plant develops numerous floating leaves measuring 12 to 15 cm in diameter in mature plants starting from spring. The leaves are slightly ovate and have an open sinus. They are a very vibrant, shiny, and uniform green colour. The plant spreads to an average of 1.10 m. Flowering usually begins in June and continues until September. The simple flowers consist of 10 rounded petals of different lengths. The outer petals are almost white, while the inner ones are almost deep red to pink. They measure between 10 and 12 cm in diameter. These floating corollas open during the day and close in the evening. Their centre is adorned with bright yellow stamens. 

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.