Water Lily ‘Marliacea Chromatella’ (Nymphaea) - Classic Soft-Yellow Hardy Lily for Medium Ponds (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A time-honoured hardy lily with softly primrose-yellow blooms, Nymphaea ‘Marliacea Chromatella’ flowers freely from early summer to autumn, its shapely stars held just above the water for a refined, traditional look. Rounded green pads spread to create a calm mosaic of surface shade, giving cool refuge for tadpoles, newts and fry while reducing light for algae as part of a balanced planting. Expect blooms around 10-14 cm across, a mature leaf spread of ~1.0-1.2 m, and best performance in still, sunny water at moderate depth. A reliable, long-lived non-native cultivar that suits medium ponds and refined wildlife settings.

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 35-70(-80) cm below the surface (start shallower, lower as growth strengthens)

• Setting: Open water beyond the marginal shelf; pair with native marginals for seasonal nectar and structure

Planting & care

• Plant rhizome in a large 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 ~2-3 m² of open water; keep total leaf cover ≤ one-third of the surface for pond balance.

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

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

• Use rainwater where possible and avoid fertilisers to help 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 aren’t major nectar sources, but they provide top-value habitat: surface shade, temperature moderation, and cover for young aquatic life. For strong pollinator support, ring the shelf with single-flowered UK natives.

Joel says…
“‘Chromatella’ is sunshine on plates - classic, steady and well-mannered. Give it sun, keep cover to a third, and divide when the rhizome gets chunky.”

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.