White water lily

A flower that floats on water

The white water lily is one of the most beautiful and well-known aquatic plants in Europe. It lives in still or slow-moving fresh waters, such as ponds, small lakes and canals, where it sinks its roots into the mud of the bottom while leaves and flowers float on the surface. The leaves are large, round and leathery, with a slit that makes them heart-shaped, and they form green carpets on the water. The flowers, pure white and fragrant, with numerous petals arranged in a spiral around a yellow centre, open in the morning and close in the evening.

A plant rooted in water

The water lily is perfectly adapted to aquatic life. From the sturdy rhizome anchored to the bottom rise long, flexible stems that reach the surface, carrying the leaves and flowers. This structure lets it thrive in even deep waters, exploiting the sunlight at the surface while remaining firmly rooted below. It is a perennial plant that in autumn loses its aerial part and overwinters with the rhizome on the bottom.

Cultivation in the garden

The white water lily is much used to adorn garden ponds and pools. It requires still water, a sunny exposure and a muddy bottom or a container with suitable soil in which to root the rhizome. It should be placed at an appropriate depth, neither too shallow nor too deep. It is a hardy, cold-resistant plant, able to overwinter outdoors in temperate climates. Besides its beauty, it offers bodies of water shade and shelter for fish and other animals.

Curiosities

Water lilies have fascinated artists and cultures of every age, becoming a symbol of purity and rebirth for the way the immaculate flower rises from the water and mud. Their image recurs in art, from ancient decorations to the famous paintings of Impressionism.

Conservation

The white water lily is widespread and is not considered threatened overall, but like all aquatic plants it depends on the health of wetlands. Water pollution, the draining of ponds and the alteration of freshwater environments can reduce its presence. Keeping ponds and bodies of water clean is important for it and for the whole aquatic ecosystem.