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Nymphaea Virginalis - Water lily

Nymphaea Virginalis
Water Lily, Waterlily

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

This water lily grows up to 1.2 m wide. It is perfect for medium to large ponds, and its rootstock is planted in water under 50 to 120 cm. You will appreciate its large white flowers, 15 cm in diameter, slightly fragrant. Its large dark green leaves, widely split, float on the surface, providing a green setting for its generous flowering. This variety thrives in the sun and is resistant to cold.

Flower size

15 cm

Height at maturity

20 cm

Spread at maturity

1.50 m

Exposure

Sun

Hardiness

Hardy down to -20°C

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Best planting time March to April

Recommended planting time March to June

JAN J

FEB F

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MAY M

JUN J

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Flowering time May to September

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FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

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Description

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.

Nymphaea Virginalis - Water lily in pictures

Flowering

Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour white

Flowering time May to September

Inflorescence Solitary

Flower size 15 cm

Fragrance slightly scented

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour dark green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm

Spread at maturity 1.50 m

Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Nymphaea

Cultivar

Virginalis

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Other common names

Water Lily, Waterlily

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 21269

Planting and care

The rootstock of the Nymphaea 'Virginalis' cep should be planted a few centimetres deep, at a depth of 50 to 120 cm of water. Hardy water lilies tolerate winter harshness better if the pond depth is at least 50 cm. The water should not freeze at the depth at which they are planted. In shallow ponds, planting in a container is possible. In this case, overwinter the rootstocks in damp sand protected from frost. Plant them in good garden soil, preferably rich, by inserting them vertically until the collar. Avoid using horticultural compost, which is too rich. Planting the rootstocks in a basket about 40 cm wide is also possible. Sink the basket in the desired location and weight it if necessary. Plant your rootstocks promptly after receiving them. Choose the sunniest location and allow at least 1 m between each rootstock.
In the case of a natural water feature (pond or lake), ensure that the water level remains relatively stable and that the water is neither too acidic nor too alkaline (pH between 6.5 and 7.5).
If there are fish in your pond, spreading a thick layer of coarse gravel around the base is advisable to deter them from digging up the rootstock.
Water lilies are hungry plants. Every year, at the beginning of the growing season, apply a slow-release fertiliser that will nourish your water lily throughout its growing period (for example, Osmocote 10-11-18-2 with a duration of 5-6 months).
During the summer, remove any leaves that may grow excessively in the centre of the clump, keeping only the most beautiful ones. Remove those that are yellowed or stained.