New Mexico Master Gardeners
 

Floating leaved plants

Latin name Common name Spread Water depth USDA zone Remarks
Aponogeton distachyos Cape pondweed 24" 4-24" 5-9 Attractive strap-shaped leaves often with purple undersides. Will flower with white flowers.
Brasenia schreberi Water shield 24" 4-12" 10 Circular floating leaves like tiny water lilies. Small mauve to purple flowers in summer.
Euryale ferox Prickly water lily 8' 12-36" 5 Flat circular leaves veined in red and raised into horny ribs. Deep magenta-violet flowers.
Hydrocleys nymphoides Water poppy 24" 4-24" 9-10 Creeping plant for informal pool. Three-petalled primrose-yellow flowers.
Marsilea mutica nardoo plant or water clover 24" 4-18" 9 Four lobed leaves each divided into inner and outer zones of green. Creeps around shallow edges.
M. quadrifolia 24-30" 0-12" 5 Small amphibious fern.
Nelumbo nucifera Sacred lotus 5' 6-36" 6-10 Large plate-like leaves on sturdy stems. Soft pink flowers. Pot rhizomes to control location. Needs hot summers to bloom well.
Nuphar advena American spatterdock 5' 1-5' 3 Thick spade shaped leaves. Globular yellow flowers.
N. japonica Japanese pond lily 3' 1-3' 7 Round crimped submerged leaves.
N. lutea Yellow pond lily 6 1/2' 1 1/2-8' 6 Wavy submerged foliage, translucent green. Tight yellow buttercup flowers.
Nymphaea Hardy water lily varies varies 5 Most developed in late nineteenth century. Wide range of colors. Need regular 2-4 week feedings during summer.
Nymphaea Tropical day-blooming water lilies varies varies 8-9 Sky-blue, violets, and purples are available. Will need to wintered over. Feed regularly during summer.
Nymphaea Tropical night-blooming water lilies varies varies 8-9 Generally flowers open in evening and close in morning. Some stay open for the next day. Care is same for day bloomers.
Nymphoides peltata Yellow floating heart 24" 4-30" 6 Individual species vary but bloom yellow to white. Can be invasive in clay ponds.
Victoria amazonica Victorian water lily 6 1/2' varies 10+ Giant leaves with upturned edges and spiney backsides. White flowers fade to pink.

Aquatics Bog Plants Creatures Floaters Foliage PondTrees