A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of Water Lily Plants

Water lilies are some of the most iconic aquatic plants, known for their beautiful floating flowers and large round leaves. But did you know there are actually many different types of water lily plants?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the diverse world of water lilies. We’ll look at the major categories, popular varieties, their unique features, and how to care for these aquatic wonders in your own pond or container water garden.

Overview of the Main Water Lily Types

While over 70 species of water lilies exist they mainly fall into two broad categories

Hardy Water Lilies

• Can survive winter frosts and go dormant

• Ideal for outdoor ponds in temperate climates.

• Produce cup-shaped flowers above round or heart-shaped leaves.

• Examples include American natives like the fragrant white water lily (Nymphaea odorata).

Tropical Water Lilies

• Need warm water (70°F+) to thrive year-round.

• Must be grown indoors or treated as annuals in cooler regions.

• Flowers are more star-shaped and stand tall above leaves.

• Examples include the giant Amazon water lily (Victoria amazonica).

There are many popular types of water lilies in these groups, each with its own flower shape, color, size, blooming pattern, and more.

Popular Hardy Water Lily Varieties

Hardy water lilies can withstand freezing winters, making them perfect additions to outdoor ponds and pools in temperate climates. Here are some of the most popular hardy lily varieties:

Marliac Water Lilies

Developed by French horticulturist Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac, Marliac lilies feature fragrant, cup-shaped blooms. Popular varieties include:

• ‘Albida’ – Pure white flowers that open wide

• ‘Carnea’ – Soft pink blossoms on burgundy leaves

• ‘Chromatella’ – Bright yellow 4-5 inch flowers

• ‘Escarboucle’ – Velvety deep red blooms

European Hardy Water Lilies

Vintage European water lilies are prized for their large, fragrant blooms. Some varieties include:

• ‘Gonnere’ – Pale yellow flowers on mottled leaves

• ‘Gladstoniana’ – White blossoms with yellow centers

• ‘Attraction’ – Vibrant red double blooms

• ‘Rose Arey’ – Deep pink double flowers that rebloom

Odorata Water Lilies

Known for fragrant, cup-shaped flowers, popular Odorata lilies include:

• ‘Alba’- Classic white water lilies with yellow centers

• ‘Luciana’ – Frilly soft pink flowers

• ‘Fabiola’ – Stunning double creamy blossoms

Vibrant Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical water lilies require warm water to thrive but provide unique and vibrant blooms. Here are some top varieties:

Day Blooming Tropicals

• ‘Mrs. George H. Pring’ – Ruffled pink and cream flowers

• ‘Dauben’ – Lavender blooms with dark undersides

• ‘Albert Greenberg’ – Bright rosy pink flowers

• ‘Panama Pacific’ – Buttery 6-8 inch yellow blossoms

Night Blooming Tropicals

• ‘Emily Grant Hutchings’ – Deep fuchsia flowers on mottled leaves

• ‘Midnight’ – Royal blue flowers with yellow centers

• ‘Queen of Siam’ – Vibrant pink petals that fade to purple

Miniature and Dwarf Water Lilies

Water lilies that are less than 6 inches wide are great for small ponds and pots. Some top “dwarf” lily varieties include:

• ‘Pygmaea Alba’ – All white miniature blooms

• ‘Helvola’ – Bright yellow 2 inch flowers

• ‘Rubra’ – Dainty deep pink dwarf lilies

How to Care for Water Lilies

While their needs vary slightly, most water lilies thrive with:

• 6+ hours of full sun daily

• Still, shallow water around 12-48 inches deep

• Rich soil and aquatic plant fertilizer

• Water temperatures between 60-80°F

Hardy lilies can grow in colder ponds, while tropical varieties need water temperatures at least 70°F. Miniature lilies can flourish in just 6 inches of water. Choose the right type of water lily for your climate and growing conditions to make sure it does well.

The Diverse World of Water Lilies

Water lilies offer a diverse range of flower forms, colors, sizes, and foliage to enhance ponds, pools, and containers. Discover new water lily varieties like hardy American natives, vintage European hybrids, vivid tropicals, and dwarf types. With their graceful beauty and lush leaves, water lilies transform water gardens into peaceful, flowering paradises.