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Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) Nymphaea × marliacea

Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) (Nymphaea × marliacea) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Nymphaeaceae family, native to Garden hybrids (Latour-Marliac, France, 1870s–1890s) of N. alba with American species. It grows 5–12 cm (2–5 in) tall and 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.

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Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) (Nymphaea × marliacea)
Photo: (c) M Kriek, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by M Kriek · CC-BY-SA

Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) at a glance

TypePerennial flowering plant, deciduous
FamilyNymphaeaceae
Mature height5–12 cm (2–5 in)
Mature spread1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft)
Spacing1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre
SunFull sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day
WaterHigh; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high
Soil pH6–8
Cold hardinessAbout -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5)
Heat stressLikely above about 34 °C (93 °F)
Floweringfrom about June for 11–16 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceModerate
Pollinator valueModerate
EdibleNot grown as food
Native toGarden hybrids (Latour-Marliac, France, 1870s–1890s) of N. alba with American species
Common in gardens of🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan

Is Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) toxic?

Rhizomes contain alkaloids; mild stomach upset if eaten.

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 Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids)

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

See Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) in a botanical garden

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

Questions about Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids)

How far apart should I plant Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids)?
About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft).
Does Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) need full sun?
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) need?
High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
How cold-hardy is Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids)?
It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
When does Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) flower?
From about June for 11–16 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids) poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Rhizomes contain alkaloids; mild stomach upset if eaten.
What grows well with Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids)?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hardy water lily (Marliac hybrids). 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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