A hardy American water lily, Nymphaea odorata (Fragrant Water Lily) is a floating aquatic plant boasting flat, round, bright green leaves, up to 1 ft. (30 cm), with reddish undersides. Arising in close succession, they have a deep notch at one side where the stem is attached. Floating on the surface of the water, they last about 6 weeks before turning yellow and create a lovely backdrop for the large, very fragrant, multipetaled, white flowers. Each blossom, up to 2-6 in. across (5-15 cm), lasts several days and features several rows of thick, pointed petals (up to 25) surrounding a conspicuous bouquet of golden stamens. Blooming all summer, the flowers open in the morning and close in the late afternoon or on very cloudy days. Their fruit is a slime-filled seedpod that matures underwater. One of the most common white water lilies, Nymphaea odorata spreads by slowly creeping rhizomes rooted in the mud. It can be prevented from spreading by planting it in a container without drainage holes and submerging the container into the water garden.

• Grows up to 2-12 in. tall (5-30 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in clay, loam, sandy, and wet soils. Fragrant Water Lily grows in standing water about 18 in. deep (45 cm). Apply a slow-release fertilizer on a monthly basis.
• A beautiful addition to aromatic, bog, or pond areas, water gardens.
• Propagate by seed or division of rhizomes in late spring.
• Plant the rhizome at the edge of the container, so it can grow horizontally across the top. Barely cover the rhizomes with soil and place within 6-8 in. (15-20 cm) of the water surface until several new leaves have appeared. Then it can be set, so the bottom is no more than 18 in. (45 cm) below the surface.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Nymphaea odorata is native to all US states except Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and Wyoming. It is considered an invasive exotic in California and Washington. Connecticut lists Nymphaea odorata as a species of special concern.