Water Lily: The Star of the Garden Pond

Scientific Identity

The water lily is an aquatic plant belonging to the genus Nymphaea in the family Nymphaeaceae. The genus includes around 50 species, many of which - especially cold-hardy hybrid cultivars - are grown in ornamental ponds. Its leaves float on the water's surface, are heart-shaped, and have a waxy coating that repels water droplets rather than letting them collect. Flowers open above the water and feature multiple rows of petals surrounding a bright yellow-orange center.

Permaculture Value

A garden pond is a small but powerful ecosystem in permaculture, and the water lily is one of its key building blocks. Its broad leaves shade the water's surface, helping regulate temperature and reduce algae growth. The shaded zone beneath the leaves and around the roots provides shelter for dragonfly larvae, frogs, and beneficial aquatic insects. The flowers also offer an additional nectar source for bees and other pollinators around the pond. A well-placed water plant improves water quality within a closed loop and reduces the need for extra filtration.

Medicinal/Edible Properties

Water lilies have traditional uses in many parts of the world. The rhizomes and seeds of some Nymphaea species are cooked and eaten in various Asian cuisines. In traditional medicine practices, the flowers and leaves are considered to have calming properties and are sometimes used as an infusion in certain cultures. That said, these uses vary by region and species/cultivar; before using ornamental garden water lilies for food or medicinal purposes, correct species identification and consultation with a specialist are essential.

How to Grow

Water lilies prefer still or very slow-moving water; a pond location that gets sunlight and is somewhat sheltered from wind gives the best results. Rhizomes are planted in heavy clay-based aquatic soil, usually in special planting baskets, and placed at the bottom of the pond at a depth of roughly 30-90 cm depending on the cultivar and climate. Hardy varieties survive winter as a dormant rhizome at the bottom of the pond as long as it doesn't freeze solid. During the growing season, slow-release aquatic plant fertilizer tablets are recommended. Every few years the rhizomes should be divided, which both rejuvenates the plant and provides new plants for propagation.

From the Garden

In this photo, a deep pink-red water lily blooms alone among fallen autumn leaves. With its orange center and many-layered petals, it's one of the most eye-catching moments in the pond. Together with the yellowed leaves floating on the water, it captures the shift of seasons in the pond scene.