On a recent trip to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the water lillies had opened in the reflecting pool. Floating, rounded leaves contrasted nicely with the showy blossoms against the inky, dark water.
Water Lily is the common name for Nymphaea, the botanical name. Lotus (Nelumbo) are also in the same family (Nymphaeaceae) as water lily.
Best suited for water gardens and ponds, they like full sun and there are hardy and tropical varieties. Tropical varieties should be used only if you are in the tropical south. Many selections are fragrant.
Water Lily can be planted from April to August - so if you are considering adding to your water feature, remember this time frame for these aquatic plants.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATER NATURA DESIGNS
You can see my entry for Project 64 - which is a weekly photo contest
selecting a new crayon color "out of the box". Check out the cool entries at:
