Nymphaea caerulea
Nymphaea caerulea
Egyptian blue water lily
◆
Taxonomy
Family Nymphaeaceae · Genus Nymphaea
Description
Nymphaea caerulea, the Egyptian blue water lily, is a tropical, day‑blooming beauty with sky‑blue, lightly fragrant flowers that rise above floating pads. Thriving in warm, sunny ponds, it rewards consistent heat, rich aquatic soil, and regular feeding with prolific blooms and a serene, classic look.
Common Names
Egyptian blue water lilyBlue lotusSacred blue lilyBlue water lilyEgyptian lotus
Context
nativeRegion
Nile River basin and East Africa (including Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and surrounding regions).
usdaZones
10–12 outdoors; treat as an annual or overwinter indoors in colder zones.
companionPlants
Cyperus papyrus (papyrus), Acorus calamus (sweet flag), Pontederia cordata (pickerel rush), Iris laevigata (Japanese water iris), Thalia dealbata (hardy canna/thalía)
culturalUses
Revered in ancient Egypt as a symbol of rebirth and the sun; featured in art and ritual, valued for fragrance. Modern uses include ornamental ponds, perfumery, and herbal infusions (check local regulations before use).
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–8+ hours daily) for best bloom; bright, unshaded exposure.
WateringAquatic—keep the crown 6–12 in (15–30 cm) below the water surface; top off with dechlorinated water and maintain good circulation.
SoilHeavy loam/clay aquatic soil in a wide, shallow container; avoid peat/perlite mixes; cap with gravel to prevent float.
FertilizerPush aquatic fertilizer tablets into the soil every 4–6 weeks during active growth; stop when temperatures cool.
HumidityNot critical when submerged; normal outdoor humidity is fine.
TemperatureWater 75–86°F (24–30°C) ideal; protect from <60°F (16°C). Not frost-hardy.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTropical, rhizomatous aquatic with floating pads and emergent, fragrant, day-blooming blue flowers.
Mature SizeLeaf spread 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m); pads 6–10 in (15–25 cm); flowers 4–6 in (10–15 cm).
Growth RateFast in warm water and full sun.
BloomingLate spring through fall in warm climates; flowers open by day and close by afternoon.
DormancyBecomes dormant as water cools; overwinter warm indoors or store viable tubers until spring.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of rhizomes/tubers, Seed
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonLate spring to early summer when water is consistently warm.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove yellowing leaves and spent blooms regularly; thin crowded pads to improve light and airflow.
RepottingRepot each spring into a wide, shallow basket (10–15 in/25–38 cm). Set crown just above soil and submerge gradually to 6–12 in depth.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, water lily beetles, leaf miners, and snails; crown/root rot in cold or stagnant water; manage algae and maintain clean, aerated water.
ToxicityGenerally considered low-toxicity to fish and pets; flowers contain alkaloids—avoid ingestion. Check local regulations regarding sale/use.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.