Alphabetical Plant Listing

Medium to Large Hardy Water Lilies

Hardy Nymphaeas


Nymphaea (Water Lily) is a genus of about 50 species of herbaceous aquatic perennials found worldwide that are grown for their incredibly pretty flowers. Winter-hardy water lilies are usually day-flowering and have flowers that float on the water. Tropical water lilies can be either day-flowering or night-flowering and generally hold their flowers well above the water.

Medium to Large Hardy Water Lilies are ideally suited to growing in large or medium-sized garden ponds in a sheltered, sunny site. Aside from rewarding you with many blossoms throughout the summer, their floating leaves provide shade, eliminating the light needed by algae.

They also provide a hiding place for fish and other water creatures. Blooming from early summer to early fall, they grow mainly in 12-36 in. of water (30-90 cm). They do best in quiet water, so keep them away from fountains and waterfalls.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants
Plant Family Nymphaea - Water Lilies
Landscaping Ideas Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens
Compare All Nymphaea - Water Lilies Guides with Nymphaea - Water Lilies

Marinodenisenko/Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants
Plant Family Nymphaea - Water Lilies
Landscaping Ideas Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens
Compare All Nymphaea - Water Lilies Guides with Nymphaea - Water Lilies

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