Odorata Hardy Water Lily – The Fragrant White Native Species
The Odorata Hardy Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata) is one of North America’s most beloved native aquatic plants — a species cherished for its pure white flowers and sweet fragrance that drifts across the water on warm summer days.
Each flower opens in the morning to reveal a golden-yellow center surrounded by pristine white petals, then closes gently in the evening. Paired with large, round green pads that float gracefully on the surface, Odorata brings timeless elegance and classic pond charm.
As a true hardy species, Odorata is exceptionally cold-tolerant and vigorous, thriving naturally from the southern U.S. to Canada. It’s a perfect choice for natural ponds, earth-bottom lakes, or large water gardens — and it returns faithfully every spring.
🌿 About the Species – Nymphaea odorata
The Odorata Hardy Water Lily is native to lakes, ponds, and quiet waterways across North America. It’s one of the earliest described waterlilies in botanical history and served as the foundation for many modern hardy hybrids developed by Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac in the 19th century.
Odorata’s beauty and fragrance inspired generations of hybridizers, and its genetics remain present in many contemporary hardy cultivars. In its natural form, Odorata plays an important ecological role — offering shade and shelter for fish, stabilizing pond edges, and supporting native wildlife.
Adding this species to your pond brings a piece of natural history — a plant that has thrived for centuries in the wild and continues to symbolize purity, resilience, and the enduring beauty of North America’s waters.
🌱 Planting & Care Instructions for Odorata Hardy Water Lily
Plant Type: True hardy native species
Size & Spread: Medium-to-large; spreads 3–6 feet when established
Suggested Container: 14–16 inch wide aquatic fabric pot, or plant directly in natural pond soil
Planting Depth (from soil to water surface): 6–24 inches; shallower planting encourages more flowers
Soil: Use heavy loam topsoil or PondGro Aquatic Loam Soil — never bagged compost, peat, or stones, which float or rot in water
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun — minimum 6+ hours of strong, direct sunlight daily
Water Conditions: Prefers calm, still water; avoid fast-moving or aerated areas for best blooming
💡 Tip: When planting in a natural pond, secure the rhizome into the shallow embankment soil, leaving the crown slightly exposed.
💧 How to Fertilize Odorata Hardy Water Lily
Apply 3-4 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets on the 1st and 15th of each month from May through September.
Push tablets 3–4 inches deep into the soil near the rhizome crown.
Consistent fertilizing ensures larger blooms and healthy, vigorous growth throughout summer.
🌸 Fragrance
As its name implies, Nymphaea odorata is sweetly fragrant, filling the pond area with a pleasant, clean scent that has made this lily a favorite for generations.
✅ Do’s & ❌ Don’ts for Odorata Hardy Water Lily
✅ Do
Plant in full sun for maximum flowering.
Use heavy loam soil in a wide container or plant directly into a natural pond shelf.
Keep the crown exposed above the soil line.
Fertilize regularly during the growing season for continuous blooms.
Divide every 2–3 years to maintain strong flowering and manage growth.
❌ Don’t
❌ Don’t use bagged soils or gravel — they float and decay in water.
❌ Don’t bury the crown; this prevents new leaves and flowers from emerging.
❌ Don’t plant too deep (over 24 inches) if you want consistent blooms.
❌ Don’t overcrowd Odorata with floating plants or other lilies — it needs open water surface and sunlight.
❌ Don’t delay planting; waterlilies dry out quickly and must be repotted immediately on arrival.
📦 Shipping Information for Odorata Hardy Water Lily
Shipping Window: April through September across the USA
Spring Shipping Schedule: Ships according to our posted planting schedule, timed to the safe planting window for your region (northern states ship later).
Weekly Shipments: After spring begins, orders ship weekly through summer, usually until or through September.
Method: Shipped via 2–3 day service (usually UPS), though USPS or FedEx may be used when necessary.
Schedule: Plants are shipped at the start of each week to prevent weekend delays.
Tracking: You’ll receive an email with tracking details the day your order ships.
Arrival & Guarantee:
Shipped as a live pond plant (rhizome with starter growth).
Must be planted immediately in a proper aquatic container or directly into your pond soil upon arrival.
Keep all parts (rhizome, crown, roots, and leaves) wet during unpacking and planting.
Minor yellowing or leaf breakage during transit is normal and quickly replaced by new growth.
For any concerns, email photos within 24 hours (unpacked plant + packing slip with initials) to PondQuestions@gmail.com.
📋 Odorata Hardy Water Lily – Specifications
Scientific Name:Nymphaea odorata
Common Name: Odorata Hardy Water Lily / Fragrant White Water Lily
Flower Color: Pure white with golden centers
Fragrance: Sweet, pleasant fragrance
Flower Size: 4–6 inches across
Pad Color & Size: Green pads, 5–8 inches in diameter
Plant Size & Spread: Medium-to-large; 4–6 feet
Planting Depth (Soil to Water Surface): 6–24 inches
Container Size Recommended: 14–18 inch aquatic container or direct pond planting
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun — minimum of 6+ hours daily
Fertilizing Schedule: 4 tablets on the 1st and 15th monthly (May–September)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3–11
Shipped As: Live pond plant (rhizome with starter growth) — repot or plant immediately upon arrival. 👉 Must stay wet at all times; plant parts dry out quickly if left unplanted.
🌺 Why Choose Odorata Hardy Water Lily
Because it’s the original native hardy species of pond plant that started it all — native, fragrant, and absolutely reliable. The Odorata Hardy Water Lily is a piece of aquatic history that delivers beauty, fragrance, and natural balance to any pond. Ideal for eco-friendly gardens, native restorations, or classic ornamental ponds, this species embodies simplicity, resilience, and timeless grace.
