Chief Varieties of Water Lilies

Listed are the chief varieties of Water Lilies from which a selection may be made:

Nymphaea alba (White Water Lily). This is the beautiful flower which occurs naturally on many lakes and ponds. Flowering freely in late spring and early   summer, it should be planted on large sheets of water in positions where bold effects are desired.

The following are included in the same section:­

Nymphaea a.candidissima. The fine, pure white flowers of this variety are remarkably handsome, and are produced freely throughout the summer. It does best in a considerable depth of water, and is not suitable for shallow, cramped positions. Plenissima, with its numerous pure white petals, is a good double form. 

Nymphaea odorata (Sweet Water Lily). A native of North America; the flowers white and sweetly scented. Included amongst its varieties are several beautiful kinds. N.o.rosacea, with small, rosy flowers, is a gem. N.o.sulphurea has deliciously scented flowers of a delicate yellow, with rich golden stamens; the leaves are marbled a brownish red. This variety is distinct by reason of its slender, tapering petals. Grandiflora is larger than the foregoing, the leaves quaintly spotted with red on the underside.

Nymphaea tuberosa. So called from its thick mass of fleshy roots, is a large flowered white Lily of American origin. Of vigorous habit and readily increased by division, it is well suited to large, somewhat exposed pieces of water. The flowers, over six inches across, are freely produced during late summer and autumn. Rubra, in addition to its delicate scent, has magnificent rosy carmine petals, and light orange stamens. Richardsoni, a double white form, possesses the true globe shape of the perfect Water Lily. Rosea is an early flowering kind.

Nymphaea pygmaea, the Siberian Lily, is the smallest of all. The white flowers, barely two inches across, are produced very early, and look especially well resting on the dainty leaf plates. Helvola is one of M. Latour-­Marliac's seedlings, and is distinct not only for its pale yellow flowers, but for the brown blotched leaves, spotted underneath with red. As a few inches of water over the crowns suffice, it is valuable for tubs and basins.

Nymphaea flava (Florida Water Lily). The roots of this variety are fibrous, and the straggling growths are produced somewhat like runners. Charming as it appears to be in its native haunts, it is too delicate for our climate, except in very warm and sheltered localities.

Nymphaea sphaerocarpa. This is often regarded as a variety of N.alba, and is similar in shape. It blooms early, even in cold seasons, the flowers being a soft shade of carmine.

We now come to the beautiful hybrids, which are associated with the name of M. Latour-Marliac. They represent the highest development of the Water Lily, and whilst exhibiting an almost tropical range of color­ing, are remarkably hardy.

N.Marliace albida. This magnificent flower is the queen of white Water Lilies. Single blooms frequently measure eight or nine inches across. The petals are milk white, the stamens rich golden yellow, whilst the leaves, a bright reddish purple when young, change later to a deep glossy green.

N.M.carnea. The bases of the petals are tinged with flesh pink : fragrant.

N M.rosea. Deep rosy pink in color : the flowers large and of good shape.

N M.chromatella (Canary Water Lily). This is one of the finest. The petals are sulphur-yellow, shading to a deeper tinge. The leaves form an admirable setting to the flowers, being a distinct red, blotched with dark maroon.  

N.M.fammea. Truly beautiful, with its vinous stamens and white petals flaked with red. The color­ing varies somewhat in different plants, but is always distinct and vivid.

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