A Guide to the Diverse Types of Water Lily Plants

Water lilies are some of the most iconic and beautiful aquatic plants. Their large colorful flowers gracefully float and bloom on the water’s surface. But did you know there are actually many different types of water lily plants?

In this guide, we’ll explore the diverse world of water lilies. We’ll look at some of the most popular varieties, their unique features, and how to care for these aquatic wonders.

Overview of Water Lily Types

Water lilies belong to either the family Nymphaeaceae or Nuphar But within these groups exist dozens of different water lily species and hybrids

Some key types of water lilies include:

• Hardy – Can survive winter frosts. Often have cup-shaped flowers.
• Tropical – Need warm water to thrive. Have pointed, star-shaped flowers.
• Day Blooming – Open flowers during daylight hours.
• Night Blooming – Flowers open at night.
• Miniature/Dwarf – Much smaller than average water lilies.

Water lilies also come in a rainbow of colors like white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and more. Their leaf shapes and sizes vary too.

Next, let’s look at some popular varieties.

Hardy Water Lily Types

Hardy water lily varieties can withstand freezing winters, making them ideal for outdoor ponds in temperate climates. Some beautiful options include:

Marliac Water Lilies

Marliac lilies are cup-shaped with mildly fragrant flowers. Popular varieties include:

• ‘Albida’ – Pure white flowers that open wide.
• ‘Carnea’ – Delicate soft pink blooms.
• ‘Chromatella’ – Sunny yellow 4-5 inch flowers.
• ‘Escarboucle’ – Deep red blooms.

European Hardy Water Lilies

Some hardy European lilies include:

• ‘Gladstoniana’ – White flowers with yellow centers.
• ‘Rose Arey’ – Vibrant deep pink double flowers.
• ‘Attraction’ – Rich red color.
• ‘Gonnere’ – Pale yellow cup-shaped flowers.

These European lilies are known for their large, rounded flowers and powerful fragrance. Many also rebloom later in summer.

Odorata Water Lilies

• ‘Alba’ – Classic white water lilies with yellow centers.
• ‘Luciana’ – Light pink flowers with frilly edges.
• ‘Fabiola’ – Creamy double blossoms.

Odorata lilies have very fragrant, cup-shaped flowers. They also proliferate quickly.

Tropical Water Lily Types

Tropical water lilies require warm water to thrive, but their unique flowers make them worth the extra care. Some tropical varieties include:

Day Blooming Tropicals

• ‘Mrs. George H. Pring’ – Ruffled cream and pink flowers.
• ‘Albert Greenberg’ – Vibrant rosy pink blooms with yellow centers.
• ‘Panama Pacific’ – Buttery yellow blossoms.
• ‘Dauben’ – Lavender flowers with dark purple undersides.

These lilies open their flowers during daylight hours. Many feature bold colors and unique patterns.

Night Blooming Tropicals

• ‘Midnight’ – Deep blue flowers with yellow centers.
• ‘Queen of Siam’ – Vibrant pink petals that fade to purple.
• ‘Emily Grant Hutchings’ – Fuchsia flowers with ruffled edges.

These exotics unveil their flowers after dark and often emit lovely fragrances. The flowers close again at dawn.

Miniature Water Lilies

Miniature or dwarf water lilies stay under 6 inches wide but pack tons of color!

• ‘Pygmaea Alba’ – Miniature white lilies.
• ‘Helvola’ – Buttery yellow or white blooms.
• ‘Rubra’ – Bright pink dwarf lilies.

Great for small ponds, mini lily flowers float like gems on the water’s surface.

How to Care for Water Lilies

While their care varies slightly, most water lilies thrive with:

• At least 6 hours of full sun daily
• Still, shallow water around 12-48 inches deep
• Rich soil and aquatic plant fertilizer
• Water temperatures of 60-80°F

Hardy lilies tolerate colder climates, while tropical varieties need warm water of at least 70°F. Miniature water lilies can grow well in just 6 inches of water.

With the right growing conditions suited to their type, water lilies will reward you with their tranquil, poetic beauty.

The Diverse World of Water Lilies

As you can see, many types of water lily plants exist, each with their own allure. From hardy cold water lilies to tropical varieties, part of the joy lies in discovering new water lily species and colors for your aquatic garden.

If cared for properly, water lilies transform pools, ponds and aquatic gardens into serene, flowering paradises. Their diversity means you can find lovely lilies suited for any climate or setting.