Page 376 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

374 POND PLANT DIRECTORY

WATER LILIES AND LOTUSES

Water lilies are among the most attractive of all
pond plants and relatively easy to keep. They help
to maintain the water quality in the pond,
because their roots absorb nitrates produced by the
decomposition of fish feces. A mat of lily leaves on
the pond’s surface will reduce the amount of sunlight
entering the water, protecting the fish from sunburn
and restricting algal growth. It will also enable the fish
to dart out of sight when a predator’s shadow darkens
the pond. Do not plant tropical lilies in water that is
below 75°F (24°C); otherwise, they may not grow
but simply remain dormant or even rot.
Like many of today’s water lilies, Red Laydeker (Nymphaea x laydekeri
‘Fulgens’) is hardy, since its ancestry includes Nymphaea alba var. rubra,
which grows wild in Sweden. Tropical varieties are suitable only for indoor
ponds in cold climates.

Nymphaea ‘Pearl of the Pool’ Nymphaea pygmaea ‘Helvola’ Nymphaea ‘Aurora’
Pearl of the Pool Helvola Aurora

ORIGINS Bred from N. ‘Pink Opal’ crossed with N. ORIGINS Thought to be the result of crossings involving ORIGINS Believed to have been created by crossings of
marliacea ‘Rosea’. N. tetragona and N. mexicana. N. alba var. rubra with N. mexicana.
SIZE Leaves may spread to 5 ft (1.5 m). SIZE Leaves may spread to about 3 ft (1 m). SIZE Leaves may spread to about 3 ft (1 m).
WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy
to –30°F (–34°C). to –30°F (–34°C). to –30°F (–34°C).
PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome. Plants can be placed PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome. May also set seed PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start of the
down to a depth of 30 in (75 cm). on occasions. growing period.
This water lily, which was created in the US, One of the so-called Marliac hybrids, the free-
became the first hardy cultivar to be patented in flowering ‘Aurora’ was created at the end of the
1946. It remains popular today, since it flowers quite 19th century in France by Joseph Latour-Marliac.
freely once established, especially when planted in The blooms, which typically last for three days,
a large container. The pink blooms are cup-shaped undergo a dramatic change in color. They are
when they open but become stellate (starlike) as yellowish-apricot at first, darkening to orange-red
they mature. They are also fragrant, adding to the on the second day, and finally appearing burgundy-
plant’s appeal. The maximum leaf diameter is red before dying off. The leaves are green on top,
about 10 in (25 cm). with purple undersides.

This water lily’s dainty yellow flowers, which
measure no more than 2 in (5 cm) in diameter,
are produced in profusion. ‘Helvola’ tends to
flower later in the season than its larger relatives.
In addition, the blooms open and close later in the
day than those of other water lilies. The small olive
leaves are another attractive feature, being heavily
blotched with purple on their upper surface.

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