As the name suggests, the yellow pond lily does not bloom in numerous different colors but only in yellow. What is less known to many garden owners, however, is that this plant is not just a yellow water lily.
What are the characteristics of the yellow pond lily?
The yellow pond lily is an aquatic plant with heart-shaped leaves and spherical yellow flowers. It is hardy, prefers a water depth of 1-2.5 meters and tolerates shade. Regular trimming of the rhizomes prevents the pond from overgrowing.
Both the water lilies (Nymphaea) and the pond lilies (Nuphar) are plant genera from the water lily family. However, they differ significantly in the shape of the leaves and flowers. The water lilies have round leaves and open flowers in a wide variety of colors. The pond lilies, on the other hand, have heart-shaped leaves and spherical, almost always yellow flowers.
Natural distribution areas of the yellow pond lily
The yellow pond lily is quite widespread and can be found from North Africa to Eurasia, but also in the Caribbean and the eastern USA. You can also admire the yellow pond lily in the wild in Germany, but here it is often considered endangered or even critically endangered and is even on the red list in some federal states.
The yellow pond lily likes stagnant or gently flowing water with muddy, nutrient-rich soil. It tolerates cooler and deeper water than its related water lilies. Occasionally you can also find this plant in a bog lake.
The right location for the yellow pond lily
Don't necessarily plant the yellow pond lily in a mini pond. On the one hand, it prefers a water depth of at least one meter to around two and a half meters. On the other hand, the water lily tends to overgrow and will soon take over a very small pond completely, leaving no room for other aquatic plants. In contrast to the popular water lilies, it also thrives in a shady location.
Care for the yellow water lily properly
The yellow water lily is relatively easy to care for, but it tends to have abundant rhizome growth. For this reason, you should prune your plant every now and then. If it has grown very large, then you can also share it. The hardy pond lily does not require any special winter care.
The most important things in brief:
- Flower color: yellow
- no water lily!
- ideal water depth: 1 – 2.5 m
- can tolerate shade
- winterfest
Tip
Prune the rhizomes (roots) of your water lily regularly so that it doesn't overgrow the entire pond.
