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Fragrant water lily Nymphaea odorata

Fragrant water lily (Nymphaea odorata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Nymphaeaceae family, native to Eastern and central North America (ponds and lakes). It grows 5–12 cm (2–5 in) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 1.3 m (4.3 ft) apart.

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Fragrant water lily (Nymphaea odorata)
Photo: (c) Elvira de Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elvira de Lange · CC-BY

Fragrant water lily at a glance

TypePerennial flowering plant, deciduous
FamilyNymphaeaceae
Mature height5–12 cm (2–5 in)
Mature spread1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft)
Spacing1.3 m (4.3 ft) centre to centre
SunFull sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day
WaterHigh; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high
Soil pH5–8
Cold hardinessAbout -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3)
Heat stressLikely above about 34 °C (93 °F)
Floweringfrom about June for 10–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceModerate
Pollinator valueModerate
EdibleYes: young leaves and flower buds (cooked), seeds
Native toEastern and central North America (ponds and lakes)
Common in gardens of🇺🇸 United States

Is Fragrant water lily toxic?

Eaten traditionally by Indigenous peoples; pet toxicity not documented.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Fragrant water lily

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.

See Fragrant water lily in a botanical garden

It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:

Questions about Fragrant water lily

How far apart should I plant Fragrant water lily?
About 1.3 m (4.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
Does Fragrant water lily need full sun?
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Fragrant water lily need?
High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
How cold-hardy is Fragrant water lily?
It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
When does Fragrant water lily flower?
From about June for 10–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Fragrant water lily poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Eaten traditionally by Indigenous peoples; pet toxicity not documented.
What grows well with Fragrant water lily?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fragrant water lily. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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