Nymphaea Water Lily

Water lilies (Nymphaea) are one of the earliest flowering plants, dating back 130 million years. Originally a terrestrial (growing on land) plant, water lilies adapted to an aquatic habitat during the Cretaceous period. They have changed little over time.

Native to the eastern half of the United States, water lilies can also be found throughout the South, to the Caribbean and into South America. There are two kinds of water lilies; hardy and tropical. In Southern California, hardy water lilies are grown outdoors all year although they go dormant in the winter. Available in many colors, hardy lilies are easy to grow in pots placed at the bottom of a pond.

Descanso Gardens has two ponds which feature water lilies during the summer. The pond at the end of the Promenade and the fish fountain pond (pictured) display these ancient flowering plants.