Nymphaea alba var. rubra Froebelii

The Nymphaea 'Froebelii' is a dwarf and hardy water lily that produces many small flowers of intense and deep red, which are also fragrant. They float among small rounded leaves that change from purple to green, succeeding each other throughout the summer. This variety is one of the best for cool climates when it comes to ornamenting small ponds, basins, barrels, and tubs. Its rhizome should be planted shallowly, between 20 and 40 cm below the surface (up to 60 cm).

The Nymphaea 'Froebelii' is also marketed under the names Nymphaea froebelii, N. Alba Froebeli, N. Alba Rubra Froebelii. Its origin is uncertain: it may be a hybrid derived from N. alba var rubra or more likely the result of a rigorous selection program of N. alba rubra plants conducted by the Zurich breeder Otto Froebel. It is an aquatic perennial with deciduous foliage that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. This plant develops floating leaves measuring 8 to 12 cm in diameter in mature plants starting from spring. The leaves are round and open two-thirds of the way. When young, they are tinged with purple, then gradually turn a purplish green. The small-sized plant will reach 8 cm in height when flowering and will spread up to 60 cm. Flowering usually begins in June and continues until September. The flowers measure 5 to 6 cm in diameter and float on the water's surface. They are a deep blood red to wine red colour with orange stamens and are fragrant. These corollas open during the day and close in the evening. Each flower lives for 4 to 5 days before wilting, then it goes underwater and is replaced by another flower. The flowering is followed by the formation of fruits containing numerous seeds. The fruit ripens underwater and releases floating seeds that will eventually sink and germinate in the mud. Water lilies are hardy as long as their rhizome does not freeze in winter. It is important to ensure that the water does not freeze at the depth where they are installed. This 'Froebelii' variety flowers less in hot climates.

Choose easy, hardy, and floriferous varieties of water lilies, especially those that are proportionate to your pond. With their perfectly shaped flowers, Nymphaeas are among the most beautiful perennial pond plants. Most of them bloom for weeks, until early autumn. Water lilies are essential aquatic plants for maintaining the balance of a garden pond, as they contribute to water oxygenation. Their leaves floating on the water's surface provide shade and shelter for your fish, which in turn protect them from predatory insects like aphids.

The genus name comes from the Greek nymphaia and the Latin name nymphaea, which means "water lily". They were inspired by the nymphs of Greek and Latin mythology. Nymphaea bears flowers that are sometimes diurnal, sometimes nocturnal, and occasionally fragrant.