Description of Nymphaea 'Albatross'

Nymphaea 'Albatross' is a hardy white water lily grown for clean, bright flowers and handsome foliage that starts dark and matures through the season. It grows from a rhizome and forms a floating patch of pads, then flowers from early summer into early autumn in still water. People usually call it Albatross water lily, and the cultivar name is the one to use when you want the right plant. It suits gardeners who want a white lily that feels crisp rather than creamy.

Appearance

One of the easiest ways to recognise Albatross is the foliage. Young pads are often described as purple or deep bronzed, then they turn greener as they mature. Leaves are typically 20–25 cm across with a rounded outline. Flowers are pure white with golden stamens. Depending on source, blooms are described as star-shaped or more goblet-like as they open, and flower size is often given in the 15–20 cm range. Some descriptions mention light fragrance. In calm water the flowers sit slightly above the pads and look very clean against the darker young leaves.

Care Guide

Give Albatross full sun for the best flowering, and keep it away from splashing water. Plant it in a wide aquatic basket with heavy loam based compost and top with washed gravel. Lower the basket in stages so leaves can reach the surface quickly, then settle it at a medium depth. Many UK suppliers recommend around 40–90 cm of water over the crown, and that range suits most ponds as long as the plant is not forced to stretch. Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets during the growing season. Remove old pads and finished flowers so the plant keeps making fresh growth and the pond stays clear. Over winter, keep the rhizome below the ice line and avoid disturbing it until spring.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

Albatross suits medium ponds and larger wildlife ponds where you want good surface shade plus a clear white flower. A typical listed spread is around 80–120 cm, so it needs room, but it is not usually described as an aggressive runner. The pad raft gives cover for fish and helps reduce algae by limiting light penetration. If your pond is small, you can still grow it as the main lily, but plan to divide it when the basket fills so it does not crowd out open water. If Nymphaea 'Albatross' makes plenty of leaves but few flowers, feeding often helps more than moving it deeper.

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