Nymphaea Hermine

The Nymphaea 'Hermine' is an old variety of hardy water lily with a medium growth habit, widely used by landscapers for its timeless classicism and dazzling white flowers. The heart-shaped leaves of this water lily, in a uniform green colour, provide a beautiful backdrop for the flowering throughout the summer. This variety is ideal for medium-sized ponds, with its rhizome planted at a depth of 30 to 60 cm.

The 'Hermine' Water Lily is a horticultural creation by Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac dating back to 1880. It is a aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage, belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family. This plant develops numerous floating leaves measuring 15 to 18 cm in diameter in mature plants, starting from spring. The leaves are heart-shaped with an open sinus, in a dark green colour. The plant, of medium vigour, spreads to about 90 cm. Flowering usually begins in June and continues until September. The flowers, with 17-20 white petals in a tulip shape, measure between 12 and 13 cm in diameter. They open on the water's surface. These corollas open during the day and close in the evening. Their centre is adorned with bright yellow stamens that enhance the pure white of the petals. 

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.