Here’s how to grow and care for the pygmy water lily:

Description:

• The pygmy water lily has round leaves that are usually 1 to 5 inches (2 to 12 cm) long. The leaves may sometimes have reddish-brown to violet spots.
• Floating gracefully on the surface of the water, the leaves serve as a beautiful backdrop for the charming flowers.
• The fragrant, cup-shaped flowers of this water lily are white to pink, with a yellow center. Each flower consists of 7 to 15 scalloped petals surrounding a prominent cluster of golden stamens.
• The flowers are lightly fragrant and open in the afternoon and close at night.

Growth and landscape use:

• The pygmy water lily typically reaches a height of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) and spreads to a width of 40 to 45 cm (16 to 18 in).
• This water lily thrives in full sun and should be planted in rich soil with standing water. It prefers a pH range between 6 and 7. It is best grown in water at a depth of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
• Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer monthly to promote healthy growth.
• Pygmy Water Lily is an ideal addition to small ponds, water gardens or containers in sunny, sheltered locations.

Maintenance and care:

• This water lily reproduces by seed and does not divide vegetatively.
• While it is generally a low-maintenance plant, keep an eye out for potential pests or diseases.

Native range:

• Native to northern Europe, subarctic America, and the northwestern U.S., the pygmy water lily can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, marshes, lakes, and quiet streams in lowland and mountainous areas.

In short, Nymphaea tetragona , the pygmy water lily, is a captivating little aquatic plant that thrives in sunny ponds and water gardens. With its delicate flowers and compact size, it adds a touch of elegance to aquascapes and provides a lovely sight when in bloom.