Floating Flora: Waterlilies and Lotuses

By J. A. Young

They are the icing on the cake when it comes to garden ponds; in fact, some people install ponds just to grow them. Waterlilies and lotuses add elegance and beauty to any garden pond with their ancient appeal. The following article discusses these showy and sacred flowers with information regarding their background, preferred growing conditions as well as specific plants that make ideal selections for most garden ponds.

The waterlily family, Nymphaeaceae, is comprised of six genera: Nymphaea, Nuphar, Victoria, Eurale, Ondinea and Barclaya (also known as Hydrostemma). The plants that belong to each of these groups contain both tropical and hardy varieties making this plant family ideal for many climates. Most are daytime bloomers but some of the tropical plants bloom at night. The tropical species tend to be very showy and their blooms may rise several inches above the surface of the water. Hardy species usually seem just to float on the water, with some exceptions that can grow up to ten inches above water level, like Pink Starlets.

Lotuses are considered sacred by some eastern cultures. The lotus family, Nelumbonaceae, contains N. nucifera - the plant revered by Buddhists who believe that Buddha rose from the bud of this lotus. Nearly all lotuses are day bloomers, and their tubers are actually edible and eaten worldwide. Lotuses are truly ideal water garden plants because almost all are hardy, with the exception of Australia's 'Waltzing Matilda.' China grows more than three hundred different kinds of lotuses, but botanists are still struggling to catalog all the information about them. No matter if you choose waterlilies or lotuses, you will not be disappointed with their beauty.

Although the subsequently listed plants are stunning and would add great beauty to any garden, take care to note your climate and whether you are able to support tropical varieties - mainly of waterlilies, as most lotuses are hardy, as mentioned above. While there are many species that have great appeal for collectors, the following are suited to most backyard garden pond situations.

Nymphaea 'Almost Black' is a stop-you-in-your-tracks waterlily. This free-flowering perennial boasts a nearly black center that reddens towards the outer petals. This plant is suited to most water gardens, but it may not fare too well in extremely hot climates, as its petals tend to burn out in very hot weather. Consequently, it prefers a temperate setting.

Nymphaea 'Green Smoke' is a waterlily gardeners have a difficult time getting from nurseries, who have a hard time keeping up with its demand. Its unusual coloring appears almost iridescent; think of the coloration of an abalone necklace and you have an idea of this plant's considerable beauty.

Nelumbo 'Suzanne' is a pretty lotus of varying shades of pink. It combines dusky rose coloration with medium to pale pinks for a bloom that is most unusual and quite popular with water gardeners.

For medium to large pools, consider the tropical sunset-colored Nymphaea 'Albert Greenberg.' Its cup-shaped bloom and beautiful leaves will add grace to any pond situation.

For abundant blue blooms, consider the Nymphaea 'Pamela', which is a good choice for medium to large ponds. It also has a sweet fragrance. If your garden pond is simply a tub filled with water, consider Nymphaea 'Paul Stetson' that does quite well in small situations. This blue beauty can even be kept in a plastic dishpan.

Nelumbo 'Pink and Yellow' is an enchanting import from China and one of the great beauties of the lotus family. Aside from having a pleasing fragrance, these plants are well suited to nearly any pond size, although it blooms quite profusely, so a very small pond may not be appropriate for them.

The exquisite Nelumbo 'Pekinensis Rubra' is a classic red lotus that is suitable for growing in any pond size. It is free blooming and dramatically colored a deep red. This scarlet queen is an ideal choice.

While these are just a few lovely and popular selections, you may want to consider the leaves of each type as well. Leaves are often dramatic features of the plant, and their coloration and shape may allow you to choose between two similar colored flowers. For more exotic varieties, you may have to search online for special suppliers. Your local garden center should provide some information to help you - especially those that provide good support to water gardens.

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