The water lily is a well-known aquatic plant with large heart-shaped leaves floating on the water and large flowers above them. The genus Water Lilies contains about 50 species.
Here is information about the beautiful aquatic plant Water Lily from Wikipedia:
Name
The Latin name of the genus comes from the Greek. Νυμφαία - "nymph", probably related to the word Νύμφη meaning "pupa".
A water lily is often mistakenly called a water lily; At the same time, the white water lily is called a water lily.
Economic importance and application
Water lilies form thick creeping rhizomes rich in starch under water at the bottom. These rhizomes can be used as raw material for making flour and producing starch.
Tannins are removed from them by soaking cut rhizomes or flour obtained from them in water. Roasted water lily seeds can serve as a coffee substitute.
The most interesting, in my opinion, types of Water Lilies:
Nymphaea alba L. typus - White water lily
Nymphaea candida C.Presl - Pure white water lily, or Snowy white water lily, or Snow white water lily
Here is more detailed information about Water Lily:
Water lily (nymphea)
White water lily
Water lily pure white
Water lilies (Nymphaea) are aquatic plants that grow in temperate and tropical regions of the globe - from the equator to Scandinavia and Canada.
Fragrant water lily
The Latin name was given by the name of one of the water nymphs. In Slavic fairy tales, the idea of water lilies is associated with the mysterious image of a mermaid. Scandinavian legends say that each water lily has its own friend - an elf, who is born with it and dies with it.
According to ancient Greek myths, the water lily was once a white nymph, but then she died from love for Hercules, who remained indifferent to her, and turned into a beautiful flower.
The water lily nymph is also called the “child of the sun”: its beautiful flowers open in the morning and close at dusk.
The genus has about 35 species. There are two large groups of nymphs - winter-hardy (hardy water lily) and tropical (tropical water lily).
Most of the tropical species are too thermophilic and can only grow in greenhouses or winter gardens, since their development requires a water temperature of at least 25°C.
But winter-hardy varieties can be grown in open reservoirs in the northern regions of the European part of Russia and Siberia. The most common winter-hardy species are:
TYPE DESCRIPTION
Water lily pure white, or snow-white- Nymphaea candida. Usually found in Central Russian natural reservoirs.
In the substrate of the bottom of the reservoir, it develops a powerful rhizome with a tuberous surface, reaching 5 cm in thickness. White cord-like roots extend down from the rhizome, and flexible, succulent petioles and peduncles rise to the surface of the water.
Flowering of water lilies begins in May-June and sometimes continues until the first frost, the peak of flowering occurs in July-August.
At this time, ponds are covered with beautiful wide leaves 20-25 cm in size floating on the surface, round in outline and with a deep notch at the base, and snow-white flowers with a delicate aroma, reaching 10 and sometimes even 15 cm in diameter.
The flowers have 4 green sepals on the outside, and on the inside there are numerous white petals arranged in several rows, turning into stamens in the center. Each water lily flower lasts approximately 4 days.
After flowering, the peduncle curls and the fruit develops under water.
When the capsules are ripe, they open, and seeds covered in mucus and resembling fish eggs spill out, they float for some time, and after the mucus is destroyed, they sink to the bottom and germinate. This is how plants reproduce in nature.
White water lily - Nymphaea alba L. Homeland - freshwater reservoirs of Eurasia and North Africa. This is a rarer plant in our flora.
A rhizomatous perennial with rounded leaves floating on the surface of the water on long petioles. The leaf blade is up to 30 cm in diameter, noticeably unequal, entire-edged with a heart-shaped base.
Young leaves are reddish, mature leaves are dark green above and reddish-purple below. The flowers are large, up to 15 cm in diameter, slightly fragrant, milky white, with petals gradually turning into numerous stamens with flattened and expanded stamen filaments.
The fruit is berry-shaped, round, multilocular, slightly flattened at the apex. Ripens under water.
There are forms: N. alba-rosea, N. alba, N. alba-rubra.
Dwarf water lily - Nymphaea pygmaea
A tiny white water lily, possibly of hybrid origin, with flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter and oval dark leaves, beet-colored with a lining.It grows at a depth of up to 30 cm, just like its varieties: white “Alba” (small green leaves, propagated by seeds), yellow “Helvola”, red “Rubra” (leaves with brown spots).
Water lily (Nymphaea tetragona)
Another species that is found in Russia in our North and Siberia. It is quite miniature, white flowers do not exceed 5 cm in diameter.Tuberous water lily (N. tuberosa)
A large North American water lily with horizontal rhizomes on which there are tuberous outgrowths. The flowers are white.Used for depths of more than 1 m. Its varieties: “Rosea” with pink flowers with red stamens and “Richardsonii” with exceptionally large snow-white flowers lying on light green leaves - also prefer depths of 1 m or more.
Fragrant water lily (N. odorata). From North America
The flowers are white, up to 15 cm in diameter, with numerous sharp petals, fragrant, in accordance with the name. The leaves are bright green, purple when young, and usually reddish below when mature.Planting depth is 40-80 cm. There are a number of varieties with pink, yellow, cream flowers. Interesting dwarf ones: white “Minor” and yellow with spotted leaves “Sulphurea”, both of them are suitable for ponds 30 cm deep.
Hybrid water lily - Nymphaea hybridum
Of course, the main advantage of hybrid nymphs is their amazingly beautiful flowers, symbolizing absolute perfection. But these plants are decorative not only during flowering.Some are grown for their incredibly showy leaves. Depending on the variety, the leathery, heart-shaped leaves differ in size and color. In some plants it is light green, in others it has a burgundy tint, and sometimes it can even be marbled-spotted.
The predominant number of water lily varieties are of hybrid origin. In particular, the varieties K. Leydeker (N. x laydekeri) and K. Marlika (N. x marliacea).
Location: nymphs prefer a sunny location - in full shade they do not bloom and produce small leaves. For some varieties, sunlight for several hours is enough for good flowering.
Depending on the variety, each nymph specimen requires a water surface area of 0.5 to 4 or more square meters. The pond will appear overgrown if the leaves do not show the water.
Ideally, 60% of the mirror surface of the water should remain free.
There should be gaps between groups of plants of different colors. It is clear that a large number of water lilies cannot grow in a small pond.
You cannot install fountains in a pond with water lilies., since these plants prefer stagnant water, otherwise their flowers will not develop.
Often the desire to have a good collection of aquatic plants determines the size of the reservoir already during its design and construction. But the splendor of the nymphs is worth it.
Planting and transplanting: The time to purchase and transplant water lilies is from the beginning of May to the end of September.
Plants can be planted directly into the ground at the bottom of the reservoir, and in small pools it is much more convenient to place them in various containers (pots, boxes, baskets, bowls, etc.).
In this case, it will be convenient to remove the plants for the winter or move them to another place. For planting, it is better to choose low but wide containers with drainage holes.
If the holes and crevices in their walls are too large, the inside of the containers can be lined with burlap or perforated plastic film.
Usually, to plant nymphs, they try to take silt from the bottom of some reservoir, but this does not make much sense. It is much better to use old compost with the addition of coarse sand and garden soil.
Bone meal is an excellent fertilizer for water lilies. But it cannot be scattered on top of the substrate - it will immediately be washed off with water.
You can mix it with soil, but in this case it will quickly mineralize, the nutrients will dissolve in the water, will no longer have a beneficial effect on the nymphs and will lead to flowering (greening) of the water.
The best and most ingenious way to feed aquatic plants is to place tennis ball-sized balls made from a mixture of clay and bone meal under their rhizomes when planting or as needed.
Place the plant in the ground without deepening the growth bud. To prevent the newly planted plant from floating up and the soil from being washed away, sprinkle the surface of the soil with gravel or small pebbles. Compact the soil well and water the container.
Carefully place the container in the pond at a depth so that the leaves of the nymphea float freely on the surface.
The optimal depth to which the container is lowered depends on the variety.
For dwarf nymphs, 15-25 cm is enough, for vigorous ones - 70-100 cm.
For most varieties and species, the ideal depth is 30-60 cm. By this we mean the distance from the growth bud to the surface.
In spring, nymphs develop faster if they are brought closer to light and warmth. For this purpose, while there are no leaves, the plants are placed smaller - at half the specified distance.
After the leaves grow, the nymphs are lowered to the recommended depth. The leaves will drown, but after 2-3 days they will reappear on the surface of the water.
Water lilies can be planted in the soil of the bottom of a reservoir if it is up to 30 cm thick.
To prevent the rhizomes from floating, they are attached with wire or, similar to planting in a container, the ground is pressed down on top with crushed stones and small stones.
Plants planted early have time to take root and bloom quite luxuriantly in the first year of life in a new place. When planting water lilies in large bodies of water, you can tie a stone to pieces of rhizomes and throw them into the desired place.
Variety "Peach Glow"
Variety "Black Princess"
Wintering: One of the biggest difficulties in the culture of water lilies is their preservation in winter. Each gardener will have to solve this problem individually.
Plants can remain in their places in winter if they are at a depth of half a meter or more (counting from the growth buds to the surface of the water), and the reservoir is very large.
In this case, there are no problems with wintering water lilies: they winter well without special shelter.
If the reservoir freezes to the bottom, then the containers with water lilies should be removed, placed in containers with water and placed in a cool but frost-free place.
You can leave the water lilies in the pond, but to do this they will have to be covered with peat and covered with a layer of leaves, sawdust or sand on top. This should be done when your pond is left without water in winter.
Many types of water lilies are plants of tropical and subtropical climates. They live in reservoirs, the water level in which during the dry season is greatly reduced, and the bottom in places becomes bare and dries out.
In such unfavorable conditions, water lilies are preserved thanks to their tubers, which contain eyes and renewal buds.
Some tropical types of water lilies can be grown in temperate climates, but for the winter they must be removed from the pond and stored in containers with water in a warm, bright place.
Nymphs awaken in early spring, when the ice melts and the water begins to warm up. At this time, it is time to return plants that have spent the winter outside the reservoir (in a frost-free basement) back into the pool.
Containers from the basement or greenhouse are transferred to the pool and installed at the required depth. By this time, it may be filled with melt water, which does not need to be drained to install containers. If there is not enough water, the pool is filled with tap water.
A few days will pass, and the water will “bloom”, becoming cloudy green. And in a week it will be crystal clear, but only under one condition - do not change the water. Spring frosts no longer pose a danger to frost-resistant species, even if a crust of ice forms again.
Diseases and pests: Water lilies, as a rule, do not get sick and do not have malicious pests. However, in dry, hot years they can be damaged by aphids. The plants themselves are not affected, but some buds do not open and die.
Reproduction: pieces of rhizomes and seeds.
Seeds are planted in the ground at the bottom of a reservoir, or in containers with soil, then immersed in water. Under our conditions, hybrid water lilies are not regenerated by seeds; they can only be propagated by dividing the rhizomes.
The rhizomes of water lilies are branched and have dormant buds. For propagation, you can use any piece of rhizome with a bud. It is usually recommended to sprinkle the cuts with crushed charcoal. Pieces of rhizomes without buds are not suitable for propagation - they can only be thrown away.
Of course, roots and leaves do not tolerate drying out, so do not prolong the process of dividing and planting rhizomes and keep them in damp paper or cloth until planting.
If the water lily grows directly in the substrate of the bottom of the reservoir, then the main thing when dividing the bush is to properly dig up the rhizome. Using a sharp shovel, cut out a marked square of approximately 20 x 20 cm at the base of the rosette and carefully pull the leaf petioles.
Once the main rhizome is cut, the plant will drag itself out of the water with little effort.
The leaves of the dug up water lily are separated from those remaining in the water and, if there are a lot of leaves, they are partially removed. The plant is placed in a container with water and in this form is transported to the planting site, and is also stored for several days.
Usage: for decorating freshwater bodies of water with standing or slowly flowing water.
I hope to find water lilies in one of the nearest reservoirs and transplant them into the ponds of the eco-park. I'll try to look for water lily seeds on sale.
I strongly recommend visiting the page and be sure to familiarize yourself with 25 more Aquatic plants: Water lilies, of course, delight the human eye, but the inhabitants of the reservoir also need other Aquatic plants that supply them all with oxygen, and some with food. In addition, thickets of aquatic plants contribute to the reproduction of many fish and allow fry to hide from predators, which increases the natural productivity of reservoirs.
I invite everyone to speak out in
The water lily, or nymphea, which is popularly called water lily, belongs to a genus of aquatic plants that is part of the Water Lily family. There are about 40 species, most of which are found in regions with temperate and tropical climates, in river backwaters and ponds with slow flows. It grows and develops in water, blooming with exquisite delicate buds on the surface. Today it is quite a popular decoration for artificial reservoirs and ponds in garden design. Along with heat-loving representatives, many winter-hardy varieties have appeared, which makes it possible to grow them in mid-latitudes.
Description
Nymphea refers to dicotyledonous herbaceous perennials with a highly developed, powerful rhizome of creeping type, horizontal development. Its length can reach several meters with a diameter of 5–6 cm. It grows in a pond, fixing itself on the muddy bottom with the help of cord-like formations on the lower part of the root. From multiple underwater buds, leaves and buds grow and emerge, which are attached to worm-shaped petioles and peduncles.
The beginning of flowering occurs in May - June, with activation in mid-summer. The open buds of water lilies remain on the surface of the water until frost. The leaves are large, round in configuration, up to 40 cm in diameter. They have a rich green color and a leathery glossy texture.
The plant tends to close its petals when it rains and at night. When open, the bud lasts up to five days, then the peduncle pulls the faded ovary to the bottom. There the fruit ripens with seeds, which look like fish eggs.
In the natural environment, water lilies are found everywhere in Ukraine, with the exception of Crimea. No less widespread is observed in Azerbaijan, Belarus, the Urals and the North Caucasus. Due to the fact that the plant is on the verge of extinction, it is listed in the Red Book of Russia.
Types and varieties
In nature, two types of water lilies are most often found:
- white nymph (Nymphaea candida);
- white (Nymphaea alba).
Their flowers are extremely decorative, boiling white in color, reaching 15–20 cm in diameter. The multiple contrasting yellow stamens and pistils in the center look no less impressive. There are varietal specimens of other colors: red, pink, lilac.
All the variety of varieties of water lilies are conventionally divided into categories:
- Dwarf - with flowers no more than 10 cm in diameter. The entire plant occupies an area of 35–60 cm around the perimeter of the water surface. Planting depth - 10–18 cm.
- Small - flowers with a diameter of 10-15 cm, plant length - up to 120 cm. Recommended planting depth - 18-50 cm.
- Medium - buds about 20 cm with a total plant area of 120–150 cm. Suitable for reservoirs with a depth of 35–45 centimeters.
- Large ones - planted to a depth of 50–70 cm. When open, the buds have a diameter of 19–25 cm, and on the surface they occupy an area of 1.2–1.5 m.
To get a beautiful appearance of the pond, the water surface needs to be filled with vegetation to a maximum of half.
Decorative nymphs are divided into heat-loving and cold-resistant. It is preferable for the first to provide an aqueous environment with a temperature of at least +25 ° C, so they are not suitable for outdoor cultivation. Resistant varieties get along well in open-air ponds.
The most common winter-hardy species groups of water lilies are presented in the table:
| Name | Description | Visual photo |
| Chamaenymphaea | A group of water lilies, including three species, including the small water lily (tetrahedral). This representative comes from North America and Japan. It prefers warmth and is difficult to propagate vegetatively, due to the many lateral shoots on the rhizome. The buds open during the day and close at night. They are predominantly white in color, sometimes with a pink tint. The plant is valued for its compact flowers, which are optimal for decorating small ponds. |  |
| Section Eucastalia - consists of frost-resistant species | Red nymphea is a herbaceous frost-resistant representative of the Swedish selection. Grows well in cool, fresh water, but prefers plenty of light |  |
| White water lily - spectacularly blooms with snow-white lush flowers with a yellow core. The root system is formed slowly, horizontally |  |
|
| Pure white nymphea - differs from other water lilies in having less double flowers and small size. For this reason it is rarely used for decorative purposes. |  |
|
| The fragrant water lily is the most popular type. The flowers are fragrant, large, of various colors. Strong lateral shoots are formed on the rhizome. Almost all subspecies are able to withstand temperatures down to -30 °C |  |
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| Cone-shaped nymph - endowed with a strong, narrow rhizome with lateral formations like cones. Thanks to them, the plant can easily be propagated by division. It grows naturally in North and South America. Used to obtain new hybrid forms |  |
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| Section Xanthantha | Mexican water lily - characterized by a bright yellow or orange flower color. The species itself is not winter-hardy, but multiple hybrids can easily tolerate cold |  |
The varieties of water lilies described in the table are suitable for cultivation in the middle climatic zone:
| Name | Description | Photo |
| Black princess | A relatively new hybrid with high decorative properties. Valued for its stable immunity to diseases and pests. Suitable for breeding in small and medium-sized reservoirs. Flowers (15–18 cm in diameter) are a rich burgundy color. There are up to 30–40 petals in one bud. At the beginning of flowering, the leaves are dark brown, then gradually turn green. Round in shape, about 20–25 cm in diameter. Planting depth - 45–80 cm |  |
| Mayla | A variety of pink water lilies with a star-shaped configuration. The petals are oval-pointed, bristling to the sides. Abundant flowering occurs in August. Bud diameter - 17–19 cm. Rhizome of slow development |  |
| Wanvisa | It is notable for its unusual coloring: yellow longitudinal stripes contrast against the red background of the petals. The hybrid is easy to care for. The leaves are large, glossy, green, with a marbled pattern on the surface. Planted to a depth of 60–110 cm |  |
| Snowflake | The flowers resemble asters and consist of numerous strap-shaped white petals. There are about 50 of them in one bud. Flowering time falls in July - August. The variety is frost-resistant and tenacious. Planting depth - 50–70 centimeters |  |
| Violicious | A hybrid that stands out with bright purple inflorescences and a rich orange center. Sometimes there are dark blue flowers. Despite its exotic appearance, it withstands temperatures down to -30 °C. Winters well under a crust of ice, at depth. Flowers open in July |  |
| Denver | A hybrid with small yellow flowers, up to 10 cm in diameter. During flowering, the petals turn white. Sometimes the flowers seem to hover above the water, lifted by the peduncles. Recommended planting depth - 30–60 cm |  |
I’ll start my story about the white water lily with the fact that white water lilies have always been noticeable plants in human life. Among the Slavs, the white water lily, known as “overcome grass,” was an essential component of all love spells. It was believed that taking a water lily with you on the road would protect against all evil. The famous biologist, Carl Linnaeus, who listened to the legends about the white water lily, was touched by the fate of the nymph, rejected by Hercules, and turned into a water lily by the gods. As a result, he decided to give the Latin name to the white water lily in honor of the nymph - white nymphaeum.
The French painter Claude Monet in 1899 painted an 89 by 93 cm oil canvas entitled “White Water Lilies”, which reflected how beautiful the nature that surrounds us can be.
How does the white water lily help predict the weather?
The white water lily flower is a natural weather forecaster. There are many signs of water lily behavior depending on what the weather will be like.
Over the years, it has been noticed that if the flowers open at 7-8 o’clock in the morning, then the weather will be clear all day, if it appears from under the water only after 9 o’clock in the morning, then it will rain in the afternoon. But if it doesn’t show up, then soon there will be long and heavy rain...
Description of white water lily.
White water lily is a perennial, stemless, rhizomatous, medicinal, aquatic and herbaceous plant with floating leaves. Belongs to the water lily family. The rhizome of the water lily is creeping, to which are adjacent leaves shaped like a heart and long pedicels on which single white flowers are located. Flowers with many white petals float on the surface of the water and emit a faint aroma. The calyx of the flower is green, four-leafed. There are many stamens, the stigma is multifid, radiate. The fruits are green, spherical, and ripen under water. White water lily blooms in June - July.
White water lily: Latin name.
Common names for white water lily.
The medicinal plant white water lily is nicknamed: water flower, white water lily, adalen, overcomer, white hens, Aquarius, water companion, water crown, great lapushnik, balabolka...
Where does the white water lily grow?
The white water lily grows in Ukraine (except Crimea), the European part of Russia (except the Arctic), southern Siberia, Belarus, the Urals, Eastern Transcaucasia and the Northern Caucasus. The habitat of the white water lily is slowly flowing and stagnant waters (ponds, lakes, river bays).
Conditions for the white water lily to live in nature have recently been deteriorating, so today the white water lily is listed in the Red Book as a rare species.
White water lily photo.
Chemical composition of white water lily.
The rhizome of the medicinal plant contains starch, tannins, and the alkaloid nymphalin; in seeds - cardenomid nymphalin, tannins, fatty oil and starch; in the petals of nymphea flowers - cardenomid nymphalin, flavonoids (glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol); leaves contain oxalic acid, tannins, flavonoids.
For treatment, white water lily roots with rhizomes, flowers and leaves are prepared. Roots and rhizomes are stored in the fall, flowers and leaves - in the summer in June - July.
White water lily: medicinal properties.
The flowers of the medicinal plant white water lily have antipyretic, sedative, analgesic, emollient and hypnotic effects.
Use of white water lily.
An infusion of water lily flowers is used to quench the thirst of patients, as an antipyretic, and as a sedative for painful emissions.
An aqueous infusion of flowers is suitable as a sedative and sleeping pill for insomnia.
Medicinal preparations from the roots and rhizomes of the plant help reduce skin inflammation, and when crushed they are used as mustard plasters.
If you add leaves to the roots of the plant, the decoction will help with jaundice and constipation. Roots boiled in wort are given to nursing women to increase milk supply.
An alcoholic tincture of the leaves is used for urolithiasis. It is recommended to wash your hair with a decoction of the roots of the white water lily in beer to prevent hair loss.
An infusion prepared from the flowers of a medicinal plant is used for washing and bathing, and also as an external pain reliever.
Dried water lily rhizomes can be ground into flour and used for baking bread.
Treatment with white water lily preparations.
White water lily flowers for pain relief.
2 - 3 tbsp. l. Pour boiling water over white water lily flowers, wrap in gauze and immediately apply to the body to relieve pain.
Leather cleanser made from white water lily petals.
2 tbsp. l. Pour half a liter of boiling water over fresh petals from white water lily flowers, set to boil for a quarter of an hour, leave for 4 hours and filter.
Infusion of white water lily petals.
Pour a handful of fresh petals from white water lily flowers into 250 ml of boiling water, leave for an hour, filter, consume internally in small sips to quench thirst, in the presence of fever and insomnia.
White water lily for heart weakness.
Mix 2 tbsp. l. red hawthorn flowers and white water lily petals, pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave for an hour, filter and consume 1 tbsp every 2 hours. l.
White water lily: contraindications.
Any use of medicinal products obtained from parts of the white water lily should be under the supervision of a doctor, since the plant itself is poisonous.
Water lily is a genus of herbaceous aquatic plants from the water lily family. Their natural habitat is standing or slowly flowing fresh water in subtropical and temperate climates. The plant is found in the Far East, the Urals, Central Asia, Russia, Belarus and neighboring countries. In addition to the usual name, it is called “water lily”, “child of the sun” or “nymphea”. The water lily is shrouded in various legends. According to one of them, the white nymph turned into a water flower because of her unrequited love for Hercules. According to other beliefs, every flower has an elf friend. You should definitely decorate your own small pond with this flower, because in addition to aesthetic pleasure, the owner receives a lot of health and household benefits.
Appearance of the plant
Water lily is an aquatic perennial with a long horizontal rhizome. It clings to the silt and grows deeper with shorter vertical shoots. The thickness of the cord-like horizontal roots is about 5 cm. Large petiolate leaves grow from the buds at the nodes of the stem. Some of them may be located in the water column, but most are located on the surface. The heart-shaped, almost rounded leaf plate is distinguished by its high density. Its size is 20-30 cm in diameter. The edges of the leaves are whole, and the surface can be one-color or two-color: green, brown, pinkish, light green.
In May-June the first flowers begin to appear. The flowering period can last until frost, although an individual flower lives only 3-4 days. In the evening, the petals close, the peduncle shortens and pulls the flower under water. In the morning the reverse process occurs. Usually the corolla consists of 4 sepals, which are similar to petals, but are more saturated in color. Behind them, in several rows, are large oval petals with a pointed edge. The color of the petals can be white, cream, pink or red. The latter develop into smaller flattened stamens. A pistil is visible at the very core. The diameter of a water lily flower is 6-15 cm. The flowers exude a pleasant aroma of varying intensity.
After pollination, the peduncle contracts and curls, carrying the ripening fruit underwater in the form of an oblong seed pod. After final ripening, the walls open, releasing small seeds covered with thick mucus. At first they are on the surface, and when the mucus is completely washed away, they sink to the bottom and germinate.
Due to the deterioration of the ecological situation, siltation and shallowing of water bodies, the number of water lilies has greatly decreased. The population decline was also influenced by the extermination of plants for medicinal purposes. Some species, for example, white water lily, are already included in the Red Book.
Types of water lilies
According to the latest data, the Water Lily genus includes more than 40 plant species.
Water lily snow-white (pure white). The inhabitant of Central Russian ponds is distinguished by a particularly powerful root system with tuberous growths on the rhizome. Fleshy petioles carry leaves and flowers to the surface of the water. Solid bright green leaves on the surface of the water are 20-25 cm wide. They have a rounded shape with a dissection at the point where the petiole is attached. The first buds open at the end of May or beginning of June, they replace each other until late autumn. The maximum number of flowers is observed in the second half of summer. Snow-white fragrant flowers with a diameter of 10-15 cm consist of several rows of pointed ovoid petals and a lush core with yellow stamens.
Plants live in Eurasia and North Africa. Quite large leaves reach a width of 30 cm, but have a disproportionate structure of the plate. At the beginning of summer, creamy-white flowers with a diameter of about 15 cm bloom. Larger petals are located in the outer circle, and towards the center they gradually become smaller and turn into several rows of stamens.
The inhabitant of northern Siberia has very modest dimensions. The diameter of its pinkish-white flowers does not exceed 5 cm.
A group of decorative water lilies bred specifically for use in the garden. The reason for this is the poor survival rate of wild plants in cultivation. The most popular varieties:
- Alba is a plant 40-100 cm high with large snow-white flowers;
- Rosea - large corollas with a pink cup and pale pink petals bloom on shoots 0.2-1 m long;
- Gold Medal – golden flowers with many narrow petals located on a shoot up to 1 m long;
- James Brydon – small terry cherry corollas consist of wide and round petals, they grow on a stem up to 1 m long;
- Blue Beauty - Large green leaves surround flowers with blue petals and a golden center.
The colors of the water lily species are usually dominated by shades of white or pink, but some claim to have seen a yellow water lily. Such a plant does exist, but belongs to a different genus - Capsule. The genera are very similar in leaf structure and habitat. Both belong to the same family. At the same time, the flowers have a more modest size and do not exceed 4-6 cm in diameter. The petals themselves are wider and rounder.
Features of reproduction
Propagating water lilies is very difficult. Even for an experienced gardener, not every attempt will be crowned with success. Seed propagation is usually only possible in the natural environment in the south of the country.
Vegetative methods show the best results. To do this, you need to remove the rhizome and cut it into pieces so that each section has at least one bud. The cut areas should be sprinkled with charcoal. All manipulations must be carried out quickly enough, because the plant does not tolerate drying out the roots. It is placed in a container with water and sludge. If there are several leaves on a piece, some of them should be removed so as not to weaken the plant.
Secrets of care
The use of decorative water lilies is an excellent solution for small ponds. They grow best in a well-lit, open place, but can also grow in slight shade. In full shade the plant will not die, but you may not see flowers. To prevent the entire surface of the water from becoming covered with vegetation, 1-4 m² of reservoir must be allocated for each specimen. Water lilies grow best in still, calm water or with little current. Constant seething is contraindicated for them, so plants near the fountain will die.
Planting is carried out in May-June. Although you can place the root directly on the bottom of the reservoir, it is more convenient to plant the nymph in a bucket or large plastic container. For the winter, the plant can be removed so that it does not freeze in a shallow, completely frozen pond. The soil mixture is made up of the following components:
- peat;
- garden soil;
- river sand;
- compost.
The growing point should remain on the surface when planting. To prevent the soil from floating up and the seedlings from being washed away, the surface is weighted with pebbles. The depth of immersion depends on the height of the particular variety. It can be only 20 cm or reach 1 m. First, the container with the plant is placed in a shallow part so that leaves appear faster. As they grow, the water lily is immersed deeper and deeper. Such movements are possible only during the growing season. With the appearance of buds, fluctuations in water level are contraindicated.
Nymphea needs feeding. Bone meal can serve as a fertilizer for it. It is mixed with clay and formed into balls. They are immersed in the soil near the roots.
When planting, it is necessary to take into account the degree of winter hardiness of the varieties. Some of them are preserved even in severe frosts. Most often these are tall varieties in a spacious reservoir. Otherwise, the container with the water lily is removed and transferred to a fairly cold and dark room, and in early spring after the ice melts, it is returned to the pond. Rare night frosts will not harm the plant.
Water lilies are not afraid of diseases; they have a very strong immune system. In extreme heat, aphids can settle on a plant in a body of water that is too shallow. The harm it does to the entire water lily is small, but the flowers may fall off without opening. The succulent leaves also attract snails. The use of insecticides can lead to poisoning of the entire reservoir, so it is better to use mechanical methods to remove pests. The snails are collected, and the aphids are washed off with a stream of water.
Medicinal properties
All parts of the plant contain a large amount of active substances, such as starch, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, fatty oils, proteins, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides. The crushed raw materials are brewed and taken orally to combat headaches, amenorrhea, insomnia, hepatitis, bladder spasms, diarrhea, and tumors. External use of the decoction helps get rid of inflammation on the skin.
Many active substances in excess do more harm to the body than they benefit. They should not be abused; it is best to take the drugs under the supervision of a doctor. Also contraindications are allergies and a tendency to hypotension.
The snow-white water lily is a unique aquatic plant, which can rightfully be called the most beautiful plant inhabitant of water. In addition to their unusual appearance, white water lilies (the second name for water lilies) have medicinal properties.
Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer of them, and in many countries the plant is listed in the Red Book.
The snow-white water lily grows in bodies of water with standing or slowly flowing water, having a depth of up to 2 meters (lakes, ponds). The plant is found in subtropical, temperate and tropical regions.
Fragile in appearance, it has a rhizome reaching 3 meters long. The creeping dark brown roots of the plant cling tightly to the surface of the water. For breathing and strengthening the tissues of the water lily, the root surface has many air channels.
The stems of the plant are straight, round in cross-section, stretching all the way to the surface of the water. Depending on age, stem color may change from burgundy-green to light green. The density of the stem gives the plant the ability to withstand gusts of wind and remain in place.
The snow-white water lily has underwater leaves and leaves floating on the surface of the water. The underwater leaves are filmy and folded into a “cap”, under which the buds and developing above-water leaves are located.
The outer leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, and reach 30 cm in size.
Snow-white water lily flowers located on floating leaves, and have a diameter of up to 15 cm. The stamens of the flower are yellow, its calyx has 4-5 large petals, and the remaining petals are located along the contour. The flower is milky white.
Biological features:
- flowers open after sunrise, but close and go under water before it sets;
- flowers remain closed in the rain;
- underside of floating leaf converts light energy into heat energy;
- the length of the leaf petioles is longer, the greater the depth of the reservoir;
- The water lily predicts the weather: if the flower does not open in the morning, the day will be rainy, and if the opened flower closes in the middle of the day and disappears under the water, bad weather is expected.
Pure white water lily blossom
Flowering time depends on climatic conditions. In sunny and warm climates, the plant blooms in mid-June. If conditions are cool or it is in constant shade, flowering begins in July.
The duration of flowering also depends on the weather, and can last until October.
Her can be grown on your own plot by organizing a small pond. The only condition is that the artificial reservoir is of sufficient size.
Planting is carried out using rhizomes, on which the buds should be located. Placed in a special container, the root is covered with earth and gravel, then lowered to the bottom of the pond.
What are the benefits of snow-white water lily?
Rhizome
The root contains starch (about 50%), essential oils, sugar and protein. In addition, the rhizome is a source of tannins and alkaloids.
These properties allow wide apply the root in pharmacology: for the production of homeopathic collection Zdrenko and decoctions for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system.
In many countries around the world, the root is eaten fried and pickled. In Scandinavian countries, the root of the flower is used as a raw material for the production of high-quality flour and seasonings.
The rhizome is toxic in its raw form. In the process of preparing and consuming medicines, the dosage must be strictly observed.
Raw water lily rhizome is toxic Flowers
Plant flower apply to receive an infusion. This remedy helps fight fever and painful thirst. An infusion of flowers is an excellent sleeping pill and sedative, and a decoction of water lily and hawthorn buds has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle.
Has a strong psychotropic effect. It is prohibited to start treating the nervous system with strong decoctions without the prior approval of a doctor.
Externally used as “mustard plasters”. This remedy helps with colds and radiculitis, fights inflammation on the skin. Baths with the addition of infusion are used for pain in muscles and joints.
Widely applied for cosmetic purposes. Rinsing your hair and scalp with an infusion of the plant will help get rid of dandruff. A decoction of leaves and flowers is a whitening agent that relieves freckles, unwanted tanning, and skin inflammation.
Recipes
- To support the work heart muscle: 1 liter of boiling water, pour 4 tablespoons of a mixture of water lily petals and hawthorn flowers (take plants in a 50/50 ratio). The resulting mixture is infused for one night, filtered, and consumed every 2 hours, 1 tablespoon.
- For cooking soothing decoction you need to take 5 large flowers, add 0.5 liters of water, and boil over low heat. Next, the mixture is filtered (the released green liquid should get into the medicine). After this, the broth must be boiled again and kept on fire until the volume is reduced by half. Take the medicine at night, 5 drops.
- Get the remedy for toothache You can do this: pour 1 tablespoon of clean rhizome with 250 ml of boiling water and put on fire for 15 minutes. Cool the broth to room temperature and use it as a mouth rinse.
- To obtain painkiller, wrap 2-3 tablespoons of flowers in gauze and place in boiling water for 2 minutes. Apply the compress to the sore spot. This remedy helps fight myalgia and rheumatism.
- To prepare an infusion that fights with skin diseases, you need to boil a mixture of two tablespoons of petals and 500 ml of water for 5 minutes. Next, the medicine is infused for about 8 hours and filtered. After which it is used to wash the affected skin.
All parts of the snow-white water lily plant have medicinal properties. The plant is collected depending on which part of it is needed.
The roots are collected in late autumn, the leaves and fruits are collected in late summer, and the flowers are collected during their most active flowering period (July or August, depending on climatic conditions).
Collecting water lilies allowed only in areas of intensive growth to avoid the destruction of this rare plant. Collection should be done as carefully as possible.
When collecting, you need to make sure that the plant is definitely a white water lily. If you make a mistake, taking the medicine can be harmful to your health.
General contraindications for use
Medicinal and cosmetic products from the snow-white water lily plant prohibited for use by children, pregnant and lactating women. It is contraindicated for persons suffering from an allergy to nymphalin and hypotension.
The snow-white water lily is an amazing plant, striking in its beauty and surrounded by a mass of myths and legends of the peoples of different countries of the world. At the same time, it has an impressive list of medicinal properties that allow it to be used in cosmetology, pharmaceuticals and herbal medicine.