Plant Profile: Nymphaea 'Rassamee Jan'

Water lilies encompass approximately 70 distinct species, categorized into tropical and hardy varieties. These plants thrive in water depths ranging from 3 inches to 3 feet, with their spread varying between 2 feet and 20 feet. Larger species require more expansive water gardens or ponds, while smaller varieties flourish in containers. They thrive best in still water, avoiding areas with fountains or currents. Most water lilies prefer full sunlight, although some can adapt to partial shade. Their striking flowers are often fragrant, complemented by their eye-catching lily pads. Notably, viviparous water lilies produce plantlets that remain attached to the parent plant.

Among these, 'Rassamee Jan' stands out as a tropical day-blooming water lily that earned the title of "Best Tropical Water Lily" at Longwood Gardens in 2018, though it can be quite rare to find.