Water Lily ‘Gloire du Temple-sur-Lot’ (Nymphaea ‘Gloire du Temple-sur-Lot’) - Giant, Soft-Pink Hardy Lily (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A showstopper from the classic French breeding lines, Nymphaea ‘Gloire du Temple-sur-Lot’ carries huge, many-petalled (peony-form) blooms in soft shell-pink that often pale toward the centre - petals stacked in elegant tiers just above the water. Flowers are very large (often 15–20+ cm) and repeat freely from early summer into autumn on broad, rich-green pads. This is a lily for space and sun: expect a mature leaf spread of ~1.5-2.0(-2.4) m in still water at moderate-deeper depth, laying a handsome mosaic of surface shade that provides cool refuge for tadpoles, newts and fry. A long-lived, vigorous non-native cultivar for medium-large to large ponds.

Where it thrives

• Light: Full sun (tolerates light/partial shade with fewer flowers)

• Water/Depth: Still to very slow-moving water; set the crown roughly 40-90(-100) cm below the surface (start shallower, lower as growth strengthens)

• Setting: Open water beyond the marginal shelf; give room for leaf spread and partner with mixed marginals for seasonal structure

Planting & care

• Plant rhizome in a large/XL mesh aquatic basket with peat-free aquatic compost; top-dress with washed grit, then lower so pads can reach the surface.

• Starter guide: 1 plant per ~3-4 m² of open water; aim to keep total leaf cover ≤ one-third of the surface for ecological balance.

• Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers through the season to keep water sweet.

• Lift and divide every 3-4 years (warm months) to refresh vigour and manage spread.

• Use rainwater where possible and avoid fertilisers to maintain clear, low-nutrient conditions.

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental/wildlife use only - do not ingest. Rhizomes are tough; use gloves and a sharp knife/saw when dividing. Never release plants or pond water into natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Water lilies are not major nectar plants, but they deliver top habitat value: surface shade, temperature moderation, and cover for young aquatic life. Surround the shelf with single-flowered UK natives for strong nectar across the season while this lily supplies the drama.

Joel says…
“Big-pond glamour - great green plates and sumptuous peony blooms. Give ‘Gloire’ sun and space, keep cover to a third, and divide the rhizome when it gets bullish.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are ordering perennials between the months of October and March, including aquatic plants, please be aware that this is the dormant phase for perennials, so your plants may arrive showing potentially little or no top growth at this stage, or can in some cases still have some old leaves from last year showing also. Please don't worry, as this is all quite normal. Once the weather warms up in spring, you will start to see fresh growth and activity! If you ever have any concerns at all, please just message the team on enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and we'll always do our best to help.