The Waterlily Core Collection is the cornerstone of the summer Waterlily Court display.
The Waterlily Collection includes both hardy and tropical horticultural selections of the genus Nymphaea developed by North American breeders during the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. This collection achieved Plant Collections Network accreditation from the American Public Gardens Association in 2012.
This collection fulfills heritage, display, educational, research, and germplasm preservation functions.
Plant Exploration
While our plant exploration efforts span the globe, recent intensive work alongside our partners in Tanzania was done to find Nymphaea stuhlmannii, a presumed extinct waterlily found only in a 20-square-mile area of central Tanzania. With our partners, we increased the number of known populations from one to four, and we collected specimens for study and preservation—bringing the plant back into cultivation. Back at Longwood, we’ve used conservation horticulture to learn how to germinate seeds and propagate new plants.
Curators: Tim Jennings & Suzanne Boom
Collection Highlights
Our waterlily court displays our beautiful collection during warmer months.
Nymphaea stuhlmannii
Waterlilies are grown outside of the nursery greenhouse in preparation for display.
Nymphaea 'Peachglow'
Nymphaea 'Paranee'
Nymphaea 'Jennifer Rebecca'
Waterlilies are displayed outdoors with other aquatic plants throughout warmer months.
Our production nursery houses water lilies and water platters before they're ready to be displayed outdoors.
