Nuphar lutea

Common Names

Brandy Bottle, Spatterdock, Yellow Water Lily, Yellow Pond Lily, Bullhead Lily

Summary

Nuphar lutea, the yellow pond-lily, is a native rhizomatous aquatic perennial in the Nymphaeaceae family. It grows in still or slow-moving freshwater across Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, and is distinctive for large leathery floating leaves, submerged leaves, and solitary bright yellow cup-shaped flowers that rise above the surface, accompanied by a brandy-bottle scent. For cultivation, plant in ponds or other still or slow-moving waters with rich organic soils and bright sun to partial shade, it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding, forming colonies if unchecked, so planting in large water features or containers helps manage spread. Propagation is by division of rhizomes, the plant provides habitat and nectar for bees, butterflies, and aquatic life, contributes to water purification, and is widely used in large water gardens, with pruning of dead leaves and spent blooms helping maintain vigor.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-24 inches

Spread

3-5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Muddy, organic-rich soil that remains wet.

Soil Drainage

Waterlogged, consistently wet soil

Soil pH

No specific ideal soil pH; tolerates a wide range from alkaline to acidic

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Autumn (Fall), and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds