Water Plants
Nymphaea 'Madame Wilfron Gonnère'
Madame Wilfron Gonnère water lily
Layered pale-pink flowers open above rounded floating leaves in summer. This named hardy water lily is a decorative focal point for a sunny, still pond, with spent flowers closing and sinking beneath the surface.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Pond placement
- Sunny, still water; away from fountain spray and strong currents.
- Water depth
- Start at 8–12 in. above soil; lower to 12–18 in. after autumn dieback.
- Winter care
- Hardy water lily; leave submerged with the rhizome protected from freezing.
- Mature size
- Up to about 5 ft. across the water surface wide
- Water
- Still freshwater
- Bloom
- Summer; bloom color follows the selection.
Measure water above the planting soil, not total pond depth.
Sizes & prices
- Lg pond bask$52.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Wet soil
- Needs submerged roots and leaves at the water surface.
Water garden care
- Type
- Rooted aquatic with floating leaves.
- Planting method
- Aquatic basket with heavy loam, not lightweight potting mix; crown at the soil surface.
- Pond benefit
- Floating leaves provide shelter for aquatic wildlife.
- Pond suitability
- Medium water lily; floating leaves can spread about 5 ft.
- Feeding
- Use aquatic-plant fertilizer according to its label.
- Pruning
- Remove yellow leaves and faded flowers.
- Division
- Divide crowded hardy water lilies about every 4–5 years.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: Photo: Helen Cullens / Hardy Plant Society · Hardy Plant Society free website image-use grant with acknowledgement at point of use; watermark retained
Image notes: Madame Wilfron Gonnère flower detail, photographed at Kew. Photo: Helen Cullens / Hardy Plant Society. Public 500 × 387 preview, watermark retained; converted to WebP without enlargement.
Reviewed September 27, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.