As the name suggests, the yellow water lily does not flower in numerous different colors but only in yellow. What is less known to many garden owners, however, is that this plant is not just a yellow water lily.

The yellow water lily is found in both warm and cold climates

Both the water lilies (Nymphaea) and the water lilies (Nuphar) are plant genera from the water lily family. However, they differ significantly in the shape of the leaves and the shape of the flowers. The water lilies have round leaves and open flowers in a wide range of colours. The water lilies, on the other hand, have heart-shaped leaves and spherical flowers that are almost always yellow.

Natural distribution areas of the yellow water lily

The yellow water lily is quite widespread and can be found from North Africa to Eurasia, but also in the Caribbean and the eastern United States. In Germany you can also admire the yellow water lily in the wild, but here it is often considered endangered or even endangered and is even on the red list in some federal states.

The yellow water lily likes stagnant or gently flowing water with muddy, nutrient-rich soil. It tolerates cooler and also deeper water than the water lilies related to it. Occasionally you will also find this plant in a bog lake.

The right location for the yellow water lily

Do not necessarily plant the yellow water lily in a mini pond. On the one hand, it prefers a water depth of at least one meter to about two and a half meters. On the other hand, the water lily tends to proliferate and will soon completely occupy a very small pond, leaving no room for other aquatic plants. In contrast to the popular water lilies, it also thrives quite well in a shady location.

Caring for the yellow water lily properly

The yellow water lily is relatively easy to care for, but it tends to thrive in rhizome growth. For this reason, you should prune your plant every now and then. If it has grown very large, then you can also share it. The hardy water lily does not require any special winter care.

The essentials in brief:

  • Flower color: yellow
  • no water lily!
  • ideal water depth: 1 - 2.5 m
  • tolerates shade
  • winterized

tips

Prune the rhizomes (roots) of your water lily regularly so that they don't overgrow the entire pond.

Category:

Vegetable garden