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 |  |
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| 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. |  |
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| The fragrant water lily is the most popular species. 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 float above the water, lifted by the peduncles. Recommended planting depth - 30–60 cm |  |
Landing
It will be quite difficult to grow a water lily yourself from seeds, so it is recommended to purchase an already grown plant in a pot. After purchase, it is transplanted into another small container so that further relocation to the pond does not cause difficulties. Select a wide but shallow container, since the rhizome of the water lily develops in a horizontal plane. If there is constriction, the roots will be small, and therefore the flowers will not be able to grow to their optimal size.
The soil for water lilies is clay and turf. It should retain moisture and not be washed away by water. Additionally, add fertilizers: vermicompost and humus. The ratio of these components should not exceed 30% of the total volume.
The landing technology is as follows:
- Pour the substrate into the container, make a small hole in the center and place the lily rhizome along with the remains of the old soil. The growth point is left open.
- After digging, they are covered with a layer of sand 4–6 cm thick. This technique minimizes soil erosion when sinking to the bottom of the pond.
- It is advisable to additionally place small stones on top so that the fish cannot reach the root and pull it out.
It is advisable to replant every 2–3 years - it depends on the variety. The entire growing season is suitable for this procedure - from May to September. In large artificial ponds, it is permissible to plant water lilies immediately on the bottom, but more often they are first planted in containers and then submerged.
The water lily is propagated after flowering by dividing the rhizome. Shoots and petioles are easier to untangle in water, otherwise they can be damaged when taken out. The root is a bulb with many shoots. It is divided into parts using any garden tool and planted separately, according to standard technology, with the addition of fertilizers and clay. Compact with sand and stones.
In the fall, after the water lilies have faded, preparations for frost begin. Some species feel quite comfortable under the ice. It is necessary to select the deepest point in the pond and place the container with the plant there. It is important that a distance of 1 meter is maintained from the surface of the water to the kidneys. Some gardeners bring containers into the house for storage. The optimal temperature for storing water lilies indoors in winter is not lower than +10 °C.
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 water lily, also known as the nymph, became known thanks to one of the ancient Greek legends, according to which an unrequited nymph in love disappeared forever in the depths of the sea, turning into a flower. For a long time, the water lily has been associated with the mystical inhabitants of the underwater world.
Many ancient Greek drawings, modeling and carvings that have survived to this day testify to the beauty and reverence of this amazing plant, which was used to decorate one’s home, to perpetuate the image of a flower in modeling and to paint ancient temples with images of water lilies. The water lily or white lotus was immortalized in the whole complex of Egyptian buildings near the Temple of Amun.
Water lily, plant description
Blooming water lilies exude a pleasant, lasting aroma.
The root system is shallow and well developed. It has one main stem and several additional ones. The diameter of the flowers ranges from 12 to 20 cm. The leaves are fleshy, bright green, and reach about 25 cm in size.
One of the very first and famous species. Another species is called the Egyptian lotus or Egyptian lily. The blue water lily inhabited the coastal zone of the Nile River, then began to spread throughout Africa, India and Thailand. The foliage of the plant is sinewy, large, about 35 cm long. Flowers with such large foliage seem small, reaching a size of 16-20 cm. The shade of the petals varies, from sky blue to cornflower blue, lilac and blue.
Tiger water lily
It is distinguished by large dark green leaves, uneven tiger color.
The distinctiveness of the tiger water lily is created by the pattern of the leaves (brown and red spots). It is seasonal, does not tolerate frost well, and is suitable for growing in aquariums. Africa is considered the birthplace of the tiger nymph. The flowers are small, white or cream in color. The root system is well developed and does not tolerate fast currents and cold water bodies.
Water lily Victoria Regia or Amazonian nymphea
Another species of impressive size. The Victoria water lily was discovered by the German botanist and naturalist Eduard Pelling in the 19th century. The Amazonian water lily blooms only once a year, blooming only at night, and sinks under the water before dark.
The shade of perhaps the largest flower changes during the flowering process from white to pink. When in full bloom, the Amazonian water lily can reach 35 cm. Victoria Regia has a persistent, noticeable aroma, and its foliage can support the weight of a teenager.
Yellow water lily is a perennial, with a well-developed root system lying deep in the ground. It has underwater small foliage with jagged edges, on short petioles.
The above-water floating leaves are ovoid, large, up to 20 cm in diameter. The flowers are large, green on the outside and yellow on the inside. They reach a size of about 17 cm. Flowering occurs in June and lasts almost until September.
water lily
Water nymph, from the water lily family. Botanically, it is similar to the white water lily; it has medium-sized floating foliage and small underwater leaves. The flowers are emergent, reach medium size, have a cream color and a bright yellow center. Water lily is used in pharmacology, and starch is obtained from the roots.
The most popular varieties of water lilies among flower growers were recognized as:
Alba (large, snow-white flowers), Gold Medal (yellow flowers with a large core), James Brydon variety (very beautiful variety with large, fluffy, burgundy corollas), Blue Beauty (has memorable blue flowers with a yellow core), Rosea (pink flowers, with a bright purple cup).
Growing water lilies
To ensure that the process of growing water lilies does not cause unnecessary trouble, take the choice of planting material seriously. It’s not for nothing that they say: “The miser pays twice.” Buy planting material in specialized stores or borrow from trusted gardeners.
Warm summer months are considered a suitable period for planting water lilies. The plant can be immediately planted on the bottom of the reservoir, but it is worth considering that water lilies are terrified of frost and cold, so looking ahead, you should take this fact into account and plant the plant in a deep container, and only then install it on the bottom of the reservoir, this will make it easier to remove the flower and send for the winter.
You can get a planting substrate for water lilies in the store by purchasing ready-made soil for water lilies, or you can prepare it yourself. The optimal composition can be considered a layer of peat of 4 cm and 10 cm of turf soil with sand in equal parts.
During planting, make sure that the growth bud is on the surface of the pot; stick feeding balls made of clay mixed with mineral fertilizers onto the roots of the water lily.
3-4 pieces the size of a paintball ball will be enough. Afterwards, the rhizome is placed in a pot on a layer of peat and covered with prepared soil mixture on top, leaving room for a layer of river pebbles to weigh it down.
Immediately after planting the water lily, the plant must be placed at the bottom of the reservoir; the optimal depth for immersing the pot is usually calculated based on the varietal data of the plant. Dwarf varieties are placed at a depth of half a meter, tall ones from a meter or more; the growth bud of a water lily will serve as a guide for you.
In order for the water lily to develop faster, it is better to place it in shallow water before the first leaves appear. When the first two floating leaves appear, the pot with the plant is deepened.
Plants planted on time will bloom in your first year of growing season, and some varieties will delight you with even several blooms.
When planting, pay close attention to the cold resistance of the variety you choose. Some types of water lilies can survive mild winters without additional shelter, for example, water lily or snow-white water lily. Most often, high survival rates of water lilies are observed only in tall varieties whose rhizomes lie deep under water.
But if in your region the winter is long and harsh. For the winter, water lilies should be removed from the reservoir and sent to a dark, cool place, and with the onset of spring, after the ice has melted, returned to the reservoir.
Caring for water lilies in the garden
Nymphea is an unpretentious plant and caring for it will not be difficult. In their usual wild environment, water lilies grow without care, multiplying and blooming on time. However, do not allow the water lily to cover the surface of the water with its leaves; this may lead to the flowers becoming smaller.
Dead flowers and yellowed foliage should be removed from the pond to prevent the water from “blooming.” In order for the plant to produce more flowers, do not leave the water lily more than two floating leaves.
Make sure that the plant has enough space in your pond; do not plant too many nymphs in small reservoirs.
Small artificial reservoirs with standing water are subject to periodic cleaning. After removing the water lily for the winter, the reservoir should be drained and cleaned of dirt and debris, and with the arrival of spring, fill it with fresh, clean water, let it sit for about a week and begin planting the water lily again. A week before planting, the water lily should be watered with mineral fertilizers.
Diseases and pests of water lilies
The water lily is not susceptible to disease and is extremely rarely attacked by insects. The plant has a fairly strong immune system.
However, in the hot months, stagnant bodies of water are often inhabited by the pitcher leaf beetle, a small brown beetle whose larvae devour floating leaves.
The method of combating it is simple: damaged foliage is removed, and the larvae will have to be collected manually, since most insecticides are dangerous for water bodies, causing its poisoning and the death of living creatures.
Another enemy of the “queen of ponds” can be called aphids. Small insects spoil the appearance of the flower and cause premature flowering of the plant. The fight against aphids involves only a mechanical method, for example, washing off harmful insects with a stream of water. Attracting entomophages to a pond can also be a life-saving option in pest control.
The main problem with the extinction of water lilies today remains not pests and diseases, but the constantly deteriorating ecology and human interference in the population of the plant species.
The drainage of water bodies and the collection of water lilies on an industrial scale led to the catastrophic extinction of this amazing and beautiful plant. Some species of nymphs are already included in the Red Book, and if “man” does not come to his senses, we may completely lose one of the most beautiful flowers on Earth.
Useful properties of water lily
The water lily is a perennial aquatic plant that has a round rhizome and leaves floating on the surface of the water. Large white flowers with numerous petals captivate with their charming appearance. The fruit of the plant is round and green, it ripens directly under water. The water lily blooms in the summer months, from June to September. This unusual plant forms its thickets in slowly flowing or standing waters. As a rule, the water lily settles in lakes and ponds where the depth is no more than two meters. This plant is widespread in the Caucasus, Belarus, Central Asia, the Urals and the Far East.
Water lily rhizomes contain a huge amount of tannins, the alkaloid nymphaeum and starch. Crystalline type glycoside nymphalins was found in flowers. This plant is indicated for headaches and tumors. Water lily root in the form of a decoction will help get rid of diarrhea and also relieve pain in the bladder. In ancient times, water lily seeds were used for heavy menstruation. A healing decoction of flowers is prescribed for insomnia and jaundice. A unique wine tincture from the roots of the plant relieves severe lacrimation and profuse purulent discharge.
As an astringent, a stunning decoction of the flowers is used to treat discharge from the female genital tract. Water lily is also effective for serious neuroses, neuralgia and rheumatism. It should also be noted that this plant has a powerful antipyretic effect.
Application of water lily
Water lily leaves are recommended for external use as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The rhizomes of the plant perfectly relieve pain and unpleasant symptoms during inflammatory processes of the epidermis. In the form of mustard plasters, it is recommended to use the root part for acute viral infections and colds. Healing tincture of the root is indicated for various tumors of the spleen, as well as for serious malignant tumors.
To make an antipyretic and at the same time a sleeping pill, you need to take 1 tablespoon of fresh petals and boil them in one glass of water. After three hours of infusion, you can take an infusion of 100–120 ml 2 times a day. For heart weakness, it is recommended to mix 4 tablespoons of water lily petals and 4 tablespoons of hawthorn, pour the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water, and then leave for two hours. The medicine should be taken 100-150 ml 3 times a day. The minimum course of treatment with such a fantastically effective remedy is at least 14 days.
Water lily flowers
Graceful buds appear first, followed by bright yellow flower crowns. By evening, the flowers always close and then go under water. The next morning the flower will appear from under the water again. The water lily is firmly attached to the bottom with long roots. The flowers are very similar to the calyxes of roses, but they are twice as large.
water lily leaf
The rounded leaves of the water lily have a greenish tint. Underwater they often turn red. Different types of plants differ significantly not only in the depth of immersion, but also in the size of the leaves.
Water lily root
Essential oils, starch, sugars, proteins and a particularly rare alkaloid were found in the thick rhizome. A special paste is made from the roots, which has antibacterial, antifungal and antitrichomoniacal effects. A decoction from this part of the plant is indicated for the treatment of tuberculosis, serious diseases of the bladder and kidneys. The healing tincture in significant doses has a tonic and stimulating effect on the human body. It should be noted that raw water lily rhizomes are extremely poisonous.
Where does the water lily grow?
There are more than 50 different plant species that vary in size and depth underwater. The most common are snow-white, white, tetrahedral, fragrant, tuberous, dwarf, blue, hybrid and tiger water lilies. Many species can be found in the European part of Russia, in Siberia and Transcaucasia, as well as in Central Asia. The water lily settles in steppes and forest areas - where there are ponds, lakes and rivers with standing water.
White water lily
White water lily is a perennial plant with a large round rhizome. Its flowers and some leaves float on the surface of the water. This type of plant forms its thickets in shallow (up to two meters) reservoirs. Large flowers have graceful numerous petals and a flat stigma of a yellowish tint. The round, green fruit ripens under water. The white water lily blooms all summer months until mid-September. The roots of this plant are used as an excellent astringent, and the infusion of the flowers has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Red water lily
The red water lily is a rather slow-growing plant, which with its large rounded leaves can cover the entire surface of a small pond, the depth of which does not exceed 60 cm. It has luxurious cherry-red flowers. This decorative aquatic plant will be an excellent decoration for your garden pond.
Yellow water lily
The yellow water lily is considered a very rare variety because it has atypical flower colors. This graceful plant prefers ponds with a depth of 25 to 50 cm. This graceful water lily with golden flowers is perfect for artificial ponds.
Contraindications to the use of water lilies
All medicines containing any parts of the water lily should be taken orally with great caution. It is not recommended to increase the dosage prescribed by your doctor on your own. Moreover, this plant is contraindicated for hypotensive people, as it helps lower blood pressure.
The water lily belongs to the Water Lily family, which includes more than 50 species of perennials with powerful, fleshy rhizomes. A water lily is often mistakenly called a water lily.
This is an amazing flower. The white water lily (the Red Book of Russia includes it as a rare plant) among the Slavs was an obligatory component of various love spells. It was believed that this plant, taken on the road with you, would protect a person from any evil. Carl Linnaeus, a famous biologist who collected legends about this plant, was surprised by the fate of the nymph, rejected by Hercules, and turned into a water lily by the gods. Because of this, he decided to give the flower a Latin name in her honor - white nymphea.
Claude Monet, a French painter, painted “White Water Lilies” in oil on canvas in 1899. He reflected how beautiful the nature that surrounds us is.
White water lily (water lily) is a natural weather forecaster. There are a huge number of signs of plant behavior depending on the weather.
It has been observed over the years that if the flowers open early in the morning, the weather will be clear all day, while if it appears only at 9 am, it will rain. If it doesn’t appear at all, there will soon be a heavy and prolonged downpour.
White water lily: description
It is a stemless perennial herbaceous and aquatic plant with large, floating leaves. It belongs to the water lilies. It has a creeping rhizome, adjacent to it are heart-shaped leaves, as well as long stalks with white single flowers. Flowers with a large number of white petals, emit a light aroma, float on the water. Their calyx is four-leafed and green. Many stamens, radiate multipartite stigma. The fruits are spherical, green, and always ripen under water. Flowering occurs in June-July.
Flower names
The medicinal plant white water lily is nicknamed: white water lily, overpowering, water flower, Aquarius, adalen, white hens, water companion, water crown, balabolka, great lapushnik...
Places of growth
It grows in the European part of our country, in the southern part of Siberia, in the Urals, Belarus, Ukraine, Eastern Transcaucasia, and the North Caucasus. The white water lily's habitat is standing and slowly flowing water (lakes, ponds, river bays).
Recently, the conditions for the plant to live in nature have been deteriorating, therefore, these days it has been included in the Red Book.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs by segments of rhizomes that have dormant buds. The cut should be sprinkled with ash or crushed charcoal. Leaves and roots do not tolerate drying, therefore, there is no need to prolong the division process. The plant is placed in a small container with clean water for transportation.
Composition of white water lily
The white water lily (its description is given in this article) contains tannins, starch, and the alkaloid nymphalin in its roots; in the petals - flavonoids, cardenomide nymphalins; in the leaves - tannins, oxalic acid, flavonoids; the seeds contain tannins, starch and fatty oil.
The rhizomes, leaves and flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. Roots are stored in early autumn, leaves and flowers - in summer.
Medicinal properties
The white water lily, or rather its flowers, have a calming, antipyretic, analgesic, and hypnotic effect.
Harvesting and collection
The period for collecting water lilies is selected depending on the required part of it.
If these are roots, then collection should be carried out in early autumn, when a huge amount of nutrients has already accumulated in them. They are extracted from the bottom using hooks, then cleaned of leaf cuttings and small roots. Then they are washed, cut into equal-sized pieces and dried in a ventilated room or outside in the shade.
If these are buds or flowers of the white water lily plant, then you need to accurately select the time of collection. This should happen during flowering. In addition, they need to be collected before 5 pm, and if just buds, then before 7 am or immediately after 5 pm, since the flowers are submerged under water after this time. Mostly flowers are taken fresh, but if necessary, they are dried in a ventilated, shady place.
The leaves of the plant can be collected in the fall before the onset of cold weather around the clock. The leaves are dried under the same conditions as all other parts - in a ventilated, shady room.
The fruits and seeds of the water lily are collected during its flowering (it must be borne in mind that one flower blooms for only 4 days): for example, the seeds are taken directly from the surface of the water, where they float in “capsules”, while the fruits are taken at a shallow depth under water. Seeds and fruits need to be dried after collection.
Although not only these rules are recommended to be followed by magicians and healers. When various parts of the water lily are torn off, you should always appease the water spirit, since this plant is under its protection: this can be done by throwing a piece of bread or a few coins into the water.
When collecting the plant, you need to remember that the water lily is listed in the Red Books in many countries, therefore, it can only be collected in limited quantities.
Application
The white water lily plant is actively used in folk medicine. An infusion of flowers is used to quench thirst, as a soothing and antipyretic effective remedy. An aqueous infusion of these flowers is used for insomnia as a sleeping pill and sedative.
Medicinal preparations from the rhizomes and roots of the plant help reduce skin inflammation, while when crushed they are used as mustard plasters.
If you add the leaves of the white water lily to the roots of the plant, this decoction will help with constipation and jaundice. The roots, boiled in wort, are consumed by nursing women, thereby increasing the amount of milk.
An alcoholic tincture made from the leaves is drunk for urolithiasis. In case of hair loss, it is recommended to wash your hair with a decoction of the roots of the plant.
The infusion, which is prepared from the flowers of this medicinal plant, is used for baths and washes, in addition to relieving pain as an external remedy.
Dry rhizomes can be ground into flour and baked into bread.
Relieving pain with flowers
You will need a crushed flower (white water lily). Pour boiling water over it, then wrap it in gauze, and then apply it to the sore area.
Skin cleaning
You will need fresh white water lily petals. They need to be filled with water and left to boil for 15 minutes, then left to steep for 4 hours. With a ready-to-use product to wash your face, acne will disappear from your skin very soon.
Infusion of petals
A small amount of fresh petals of the white water lily should be poured into a glass of boiling water, held for an hour, filtered, and used internally to quench thirst in small sips in the presence of insomnia and fever. The white water lily flower also in this form is suitable for people suffering from ailments of the nervous system.
Heart weakness
Mix a couple of tablespoons of white water lily petals and red hawthorn flowers, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour, then consume every 2 hours.
Contraindications
The use of such medicinal products, which are obtained from various parts of the water lily, should be under the supervision of a specialist. This is explained simply - the white water lily itself is very poisonous.
The Red Book of Russia, by the way, included the flower in the list of rare plants, so its extraction is now prohibited.