Nymphaea 'Hermine' White Hardy Lily
Best hardy aquatic plant for small to medium backyard pond owners.
The Nymphaea 'Hermine' White Hardy Lily from Play It Koi is a vigorous and easy-to-grow aquatic plant, perfect for small to medium ponds. It produces abundant paper-white, cup-shaped blooms measuring 3-5 inches, set against dark green leaves. This dwarf variety thrives in full sun to part shade, blooming from early spring until late autumn. It can spread 2-4 feet wide and prefers 6-24 inches of water depth. Shipped as a bare root, this hardy perennial is designed to survive most cold winters, making it a reliable addition to your water garden.
$34.82
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+88%
Above average
Hardiness Zones
411
/ -
Who it's for
- Pond owners looking for natural, chemical-free algae management
- Gardeners seeking low-maintenance, long-term pond perennials
- Landscapers wanting elegant, neutral focal points for any pond
Who should skip it
- Gardeners preferring plants that do not require pest management
- Owners of shaded ponds with limited direct sunlight
- Busy hobbyists avoiding messy, labor-intensive plant maintenance
Performance breakdown
Winter Hardiness
Robust perennial performance across a wide range of climate zones.
Bloom Prolificacy
Consistent flowering from early spring through the late autumn months.
Maintenance Ease
Vigorous growth habits require minimal intervention for healthy pond displays.
Space Versatility
Compact dwarf size fits perfectly in smaller ponds or containers.
Planting Simplicity
Bare root shipping allows for straightforward, direct placement in water.
Visual Impact
Striking white blooms provide a clean contrast against dark foliage.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
4-11
Bloom Size
3-5 inches
Mature Spread
2-4 feet wide
Recommended Water Depth
6-24 inches
Aquarium Placement
Floating
Growth Rate
Moderate
Plant Form
Rhizome Plant, Floating Plant
Substrate Requirement
Attached to Decor
Features
- Produces abundant paper-white, cup-shaped blooms.
- Dwarf variety suitable for small ponds or tubs.
- Blooms prolifically from spring through autumn.
- Hardy perennial survives cold winters.
- Vigorous and easy to grow.
- Dark green foliage complements blooms.
- Spreads 2-4 feet wide.
- Ships as a bare root for easy planting.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Nymphaea 'Hermine' lily, noting its robust health and substantial size right out of the box. Reviewers frequently highlight the careful, secure packaging which ensures the plant arrives undamaged and ready for immediate pond placement. The primary theme is reliability; these lilies establish quickly and reliably produce beautiful white blooms, often sooner than expected. This ease of use makes it a favorite for both novice and experienced pond keepers seeking dependable aquatic beauty.
Know before you buy
This lily thrives in water depths between 6 and 24 inches. For the best results, place the rhizome at a depth where the leaves can comfortably reach the surface.
Yes, 'Hermine' is a hardy perennial suitable for zones 4-11. As long as the rhizome is kept below the ice line in your pond during winter, it will go dormant and return in the spring.
You should plant the rhizome in an aquatic planting basket filled with heavy garden soil or specialized aquatic planting media. Keep the crown of the plant just above the soil surface and top with a layer of gravel to prevent the soil from washing away.
Absolutely. Because it is a dwarf variety, it is well-suited for smaller water features, though you should ensure your container is large enough to accommodate a mature spread of 2 to 4 feet.
This plant prefers full sun to part shade. Providing at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily will encourage the most prolific blooming from spring through autumn.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.