white waterlily
Nymphaea alba
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones4 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
White waterlily (Nymphaea alba) is a perennial for pollinator gardens and low maintenance water features. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and moist, loamy or clay soil. It blooms from early to late summer. The flowers are fragrant and attract bees. It spreads about 35 to 59 inches wide, so give it room.
Pairs well with Reed grass, Great burnet, and Star of persia.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Asia, and 5 more places. See all 9
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Asia, Africa, Baleares, Corse, NW. Balkan Pen., and Türkiye.