yellow water lily
Nymphaea mexicana
USDA zones3 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moist to wet soil
Size12 inches tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Yellow water lily (Nymphaea mexicana) is a perennial for water gardens and ponds, and it needs little care. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and moist to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its bright yellow flowers are fragrant and open from midday to late afternoon. The leaves float on the surface, but crowded plants may lift them above the water.
Pairs well with Broadleaf arrowhead and Broadleaf cattail.
Native range
AL, AZ, CA, FL, and 7 more places. See all 11
AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, and TX.