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Nymphaea Yellow Enigma - Waterlily

Nymphaea Yellow Enigma
Water Lily, Waterlily

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

This hardy water lily with yellow flowers is perfect for medium to large ponds. It should be planted between 40 cm and 1.2 m below the surface. Make sure the water does not freeze at this depth in winter. From June to September, it produces tall, cup-shaped flowers measuring 10 to 15 cm in diameter. Slightly fragrant, they are a beautiful deep yellow that contrasts with its large dark green leaves. This is an aquatic plant that enjoys the sun.

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

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Flowering time May to September

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Description

The Nymphaea 'Yellow Enigma' is a water lily with a large growth habit, spreading up to 1.5 m. It is well-suited for medium to large-sized water features. From late spring to late summer, dark yellow flowers rise above the water and foliage, emitting a sweet fragrance. Its large, round, dark green leaves float on the water's surface. This hardy aquatic plant should be planted in full sun, submerged in 40 to 120 cm of water, directly in the mud, a basket, or a container. Make sure the water does not freeze at this depth during winter.

The Nymphaea hybrid 'Yellow Enigma' is a horticultural creation by Latour-Marliac (France) from 2003. Belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family, it is a perennial aquatic plant with deciduous foliage and a rhizomatous habit. Vigorous, the plant spreads from 90 cm to 1.50 m. Its floating leaves appear in spring. Measuring 15 to 20 cm in diameter, they are round and a beautiful dark green. They provide a perfect backdrop for its intense yellow flowering. Its abundant flowering begins in May-June and continues until September or even October. The flowers stand proudly above the water level. In a cup shape, they measure 10 to 15 cm in diameter and are slightly fragrant. The corollas open during the day and close at night. Each flower lasts 4 to 5 days before withering and being replaced by a new one.

This large yellow water lily, 'Yellow Enigma,' is suitable for medium to large-sized ponds. It is hardy as long as the water does not freeze at the depth where its rhizome is planted. Its long and abundant flowering extends from late spring to early autumn. This oxygenating aquatic plant is essential for maintaining a balanced water feature. Its floating leaves provide shade and shelter for fish. Yellow and blue complement each other beautifully, so opt for Japanese Irises with blue flowers like 'Activity' or 'Illumination' to adorn the edges of your water feature. Equisetum hyemale or Juncus effusus Spiralis will add some verticality and uniqueness to the overall composition.

Flowering

Flower colour yellow

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

Yellow Enigma

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Other common names

Water Lily, Waterlily

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 21274

Planting and care

The rootstock of the Nymphaea 'Yellow Enigma' cep should be planted a few centimetres deep, at a depth of 40 cm to 1.2 m of water. Hardy water lilies tolerate winter harshness better if the depth of the pond 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, the rootstocks in damp sand are protected from frost in winter. 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 weigh it down if necessary. Plant your rootstocks promptly upon receipt. Choose the sunniest location and allow at least 1 m between each rootstock.
In the case of a natural body of water (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 at 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.