Nymphaea Lemon Chiffon - Waterlily

The Nymphaea 'Lemon Chiffon' is a variety of hardy water lily prized for its pale yellow double flowers reminiscent of exotic water lilies. They rise slightly above the water and are produced abundantly throughout the summer. The leaves of this water lily are ovate, marbled, and veined with brown on a light green background. This superb variety is suitable for medium-sized ponds, with rhizomes planted at 20 to 60 cm depths.

The 'Lemon Chiffon' hybrid water lily is a horticultural creation by Robert Kirk Strawn (USA) from 1999. It is an aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage that belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. Starting from spring, this plant develops numerous floating leaves measuring 12 to 18 cm in diameter on a mature plant. The leaves are ovate, and their sinus is more or less open, sometimes closed. When young, they are heavily maculated with reddish-brown and gradually turn light green while retaining brownish spots. The plant, of medium vigour, spreads on average to 1.15 m. Flowering generally begins in June and continues until September. The well-double flowers are slightly fragrant and measure between 10 and 13 cm in diameter. Their centre is adorned with numerous fine, bright yellow stamens that enhance soft yellow petals. They open on the surface or at the top of short peduncles above the water's surface. These corollas open during the day and close in the evening. Each flower lives for 4 to 5 days before withering, returning underwater, and being 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 eventually sink and germinate in the mud. Water lilies are hardy as long as their rhizomes do 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. 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. 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, 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 bears flowers that are sometimes diurnal, sometimes nocturnal, and occasionally fragrant.