How to Grow Gonnère Water Lily
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Gonnère Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Gonnère'
flowerGonnère is a classic hardy water lily cultivar prized for its fully double, pure white flowers with numerous petals that create a pompom-like appearance. It produces vibrant green leaves and thrives in still freshwater ponds and water gardens. This cultivar is one of the oldest and most reliable white water lilies, with excellent vigor and prolific blooming throughout the season.
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Example Gonnère Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Gonnère Water Lily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Gonnère Water Lily blooms
Around Apr 21≈ 4 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Gonnère Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Hardy in zones 3-10; thrives best in zones 4-9
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Establishment
2-4 weeksNewly planted rhizomes send up initial leaves and roots establish in the growing medium.
Plant in spring as water warms. Ensure rhizome is positioned horizontally with the growing tip slightly above soil. Keep water depth consistent. Fertilize lightly with aquatic tablets.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple floating and submerged leaves; leaf pads expand across the water surface.
Maintain consistent water depth and temperature. Apply fertilizer tablets monthly during growing season. Remove any damaged or decaying leaves. Ensure adequate sunlight exposure.
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksFlower buds begin emerging at the water surface, forming distinct rounded nodules that push upward.
Continue regular fertilization. Monitor for pests. Buds should break the water surface within days. Increase water circulation gently if stagnation occurs.
Flowering
June through September (continuous with proper care)Pure white, fully double flowers open at or slightly above the water surface, typically opening in morning and closing by afternoon. Blooms are 4-6 inches in diameter.
Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain fertilization schedule. Continue deadheading. Water should remain clear; clean debris regularly. Flowers last 3-4 days each.
Dormancy
October through MarchAs water cools in fall, growth slows and foliage yellows. Plant prepares for winter by forming tubers or resting buds.
Stop fertilizing in late summer. Allow foliage to decline naturally. In cold climates (zones 3-5), move potted plants to deeper water (below frost line) or protect with insulation. In warmer zones, reduce watering frequency.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves, introduce natural predators like dragonflies, use netting if severe, or apply insecticidal soap formulated for aquatic use
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Spray with strong water jet, introduce ladybugs or lacewings, use insecticidal soap, or temporarily submerge affected leaves
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Remove affected leaves promptly, maintain water clarity, ensure adequate fish population to control larvae
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Generally harmless; if populations excessive, remove manually or improve water movement to discourage
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and
Ensure good water circulation and avoid stagnation; remove diseased portions immediately; maintain water quality; repot in fresh soil if crown rot develops
Uses
Ornamental Water Garden Decoration
CulinaryWhile not edible, Gonnère's stunning white pompom flowers and floating green pads create elegant focal points in water gardens, ornamental ponds, and water features. The blooms are popular for floral arrangements when cut at the base and floated in bowls. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe long-lasting pure white double flowers are prized for formal floral arrangements, wedding decorations, and special events. Cut flowers float beautifully in shallow bowls of water, maintaining freshness for several days. [source]
Pollinator Habitat
WildlifeWater lilies provide floating shelter and landing pads for aquatic insects, dragonflies, water beetles, and other beneficial pond life. The flowers attract pollinators and support the broader aquatic ecosystem. [source]
Pond Water Oxygenation
HouseholdLike all water lilies, Gonnère produces oxygen during the day as a byproduct of photosynthesis, contributing to aquatic ecosystem health. The floating pads also provide shade that helps regulate water temperature and reduce algae growth. [source]
Historical Traditional Use
MedicinalWater lilies have been used in traditional and folk medicine across many cultures for centuries, though modern scientific evidence is limited. They have been employed in preparations attributed to calming and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Water lilies are ornamental plants grown for blooms, not harvested. Cut flowers by severing the flower stem under water with a sharp knife in early morning when blooms are fully open. Flowers will continue to open in a vase with fresh water for 2-3 days. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Gonnère is one of the oldest water lily cultivars still in cultivation, likely dating back to the 1800s, making it a living heritage variety prized by water garden historians.
- 🌱 Water lilies open and close on a daily cycle; flowers typically open in early morning and close by afternoon, a behavior influenced by light and temperature rather than a true circadian rhythm.
- 🌱 The fully double form of Gonnère means it has far more petals than wild water lilies, and this cultivar produces so many petals that the flower rarely produces viable seeds, making vegetative propagation by rhizome division essential for reproduction.
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