White waterlily (Nymphaea alba) with a common frog sitting on one of the lily pads. Attractive to amphibians.

White waterlily (Nymphaea alba)

Name: White waterlily (Nymphaea alba)
SKU: ALBAW
Availability: InStock

Price range: £20.00 through £100.00

Britain’s only native water lily, perfect for wildlife ponds. It features large, rounded green leaves (up to 30cm wide) and stunning cup-shaped white flowers (20cm across) with yellow stamens, blooming from June to August. The flowers open in sunlight, attracting bees, butterflies, and dragonflies, while the floating leaves provide shelter for frogs.

Thriving in still or slow-moving water up to 3m deep, this low-maintenance plant benefits from spring fertiliser and regular removal of dead foliage.

Size

Clear

SKU: ALBAW Categories: Deep Water, Pond Plants Tags: Amphibian Friendly, Deep Water, Dragonfly Friendly, Flowering, Full Sun, Native, Pollinators, RHS PFP

A stunning and vigorous aquatic perennial, and as the only native water lily in Britain, this plant is a true gem for any water garden. It features large, rounded, dark green leaves, often with a red-green underside, that can grow up to 30cm across. These iconic lily pads float on the water’s surface, while the rest of the plant remains submerged, rooted in the mud or pond basket below.

From June to August, the White Waterlily produces the UK’s largest flower – a stunning cup-shaped bloom, up to 20cm wide, with 20 to 25 pure white petals and striking yellow stamens. The flowers are lightly scented and open up in the sunshine, transforming into a star-like shape as they mature.

This water lily thrives in still or slow-moving water, growing in depths of up to 3 metres. It’s a great choice for creating a wildlife-friendly pond, providing shelter for frogs and acting as a perch for adult dragonflies. The flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, offering a source of nectar for pollinators.

To keep your waterlily thriving, plant it in a calm area of the pond, away from splashing water. Regular maintenance, such as removing dying flowers and foliage, will help keep it healthy. As heavy feeders, water lilies benefit from a slow-release fertiliser added in spring.

Details

Native: Yes
Sun: Full sun
Depth: 50 – 300cm
Height max: 30cm
Spread max: 150cm
RHS PFP: Yes
Other: Britain’s only native waterlily

Care Instructions

Plant in calm water, away from splashing water. Lower the plant gradually so that its leaves can reach the surface within a few days. During the growing season, be sure to remove any dead leaves and flowers to maintain its vitality. Fertilise in spring, especially if in pots and not mud.

Repotting Instructions

1ltr lilies
Require potting into a 3ltr or larger mesh basket.

3 ltr lilies:
Do not need repotting but would benefit from being potted into a larger basket.

10 or 30 ltr lilies:
Do not require repotting. There is no need to remove the mesh basket.