Water Lily ‘Pygmaea Helvola’ (Nymphaea) - Dwarf Soft-Yellow Lily for Small Ponds & Containers (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A jewel for small ponds and barrels, Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Helvola’ bears neat soft-yellow, starry blooms above compact pads (often lightly speckled/marbled when young). Flowering from early summer into autumn, it casts a gentle mosaic of surface shade - enough to cool and shelter tadpoles, newts and fry without overwhelming a little pool. Expect flowers around 5-8 cm across and a mature leaf spread of ~40-70 cm in still, sunny water. A reliable, long-lived non-native cultivar chosen when you want a classic lily look in tight spaces.

Where it thrives

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

• Water/Depth: Still to very slow-moving water; set the crown 15-30(-40) cm below the surface (start shallow, lower as growth strengthens)

• Setting: Open water just beyond the marginal line; perfect with low native edgers for a natural look

Planting & care

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

• Starter guide: 1 plant per ~0.75-1.5 m² of open water; keep total leaf cover ≤ one-third of the surface.

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

• Lift and divide every 3-4 years (warm months) to refresh 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 when dividing. Never release plants or pond water into natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Lilies aren’t heavy nectar plants, but they deliver habitat value in small ponds: surface shade, temperature moderation, and cover for young aquatic life. For nectar, ring the rim with single-flowered UK natives.

Joel says…
“‘Helvola’ is small-pond gold - butter-yellow stars, neat pads, and impeccable manners. Give it sun, keep cover to a third, and it’ll look after itself.”

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.