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European white water lily Nymphaea alba

European white water lily (Nymphaea alba) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Nymphaeaceae family, native to Europe, N Africa and W Asia (lakes and slow rivers). It grows 5–12 cm (2–5 in) tall and 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.

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European white water lily (Nymphaea alba)
Photo: (c) Kristin A. Bakkegard, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kristin A. Bakkegard · CC-BY-NC

European white water lily at a glance

TypePerennial flowering plant, deciduous
FamilyNymphaeaceae
Mature height5–12 cm (2–5 in)
Mature spread1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft)
Spacing1.5 m (4.9 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 32 °C (90 °F)
Floweringfrom about June for 10–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceModerate
Pollinator valueModerate
EdibleNot grown as food
Native toEurope, N Africa and W Asia (lakes and slow rivers)
Common in gardens of🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇷🇺 Russia

Is European white water lily toxic?

Contains alkaloids (nupharine-type); eating the rhizome causes stomach upset.

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 European white water lily

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

See European white water lily in a botanical garden

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

Questions about European white water lily

How far apart should I plant European white water lily?
About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft).
Does European white water lily need full sun?
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does European white water lily need?
High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
How cold-hardy is European white water lily?
It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
When does European white water lily flower?
From about June for 10–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is European white water lily poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains alkaloids (nupharine-type); eating the rhizome causes stomach upset.
What grows well with European white water lily?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for European white 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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