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.