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Nymphaea 'Mangkala Ubol'

Water Lily
Availability:
Out of stock
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
Out of stock
Original price £0.00 - Original price £0.00
Original price £0.00
£11.70
£9.10 - £33.35
Current price £11.70
Type: Kit
Size Information

You can choose plants in various pot sizes. Non-potted plants arrive bare root for you to pot in the specified pot size.

Seasonal Information

Depending on the time of year, pond plants may be supplied fully-leaved, with flowers, or with foliage trimmed back.

Delivery Information

This plant is grown in the UK and sent directly from our tried, tested and trusted plant partner. Delivery price calculated at checkout.

Description of Nymphaea 'Mangkala Ubol'

Nymphaea 'Mangkala Ubol' is a hardy water lily bred for large, warm-toned flowers and a strong garden-pond presence. It grows from a rhizome and forms a broad raft of pads, then produces showy blooms through summer. Many listings describe it as peach with a pink exterior and warmer orange tones inside. The cultivar name Mangkala Ubol is the term people use when buying it, and it suits ponds where you want a softer, two-tone flower rather than a flat yellow or solid pink.

Appearance

Mangkala Ubol makes rounded floating pads and can build a substantial surface patch. Several UK suppliers list leaf spread around 90–120 cm, and some allow more in strong growth, so it is best treated as a medium to large lily. The flowers are described as large and double, with a peachy to creamy yellow base and warmer pink or orange tones, depending on the stage of the bloom and the light. Multiple sources mention fragrance, which adds to the appeal if you view the pond close up. The overall look is warm and slightly antique rather than bright and sharp.

Care Guide

Give it full sun and still water. Plant in a wide basket with heavy loam based compost and cap with washed gravel. Many suppliers recommend a planting depth around 30–60 cm of water over the crown. Start on the shallow end in spring and lower gradually as the plant establishes. Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets during the growing season, especially if you want repeat blooming from a large-flowered cultivar. Remove old leaves and spent flowers so they do not sink and add to pond muck. It is hardy, so leave it below the ice line in winter.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

Mangkala Ubol suits medium to large ponds where it can make a generous pad raft without taking over the entire surface. The leaf cover provides shade for fish and can help reduce algae by limiting light. The two-tone flowers look best when you can see them from above, so position the basket where you have a clear view from the edge. In smaller ponds, you can keep it contained in a basket, but be ready to divide once it fills the pot so you keep open water visible. Keep a patch of open water next to Mangkala Ubol so you can enjoy the flowers properly from the edge. A wide basket helps Mangkala Ubol root evenly and usually improves the flower count.

FAQs

What size water lily do I need for my pond?

Choose a water lily according to the eventual spread of its leaves and the depth of your pond. Compact and miniature varieties are suitable for small ponds and containers, while vigorous varieties need substantially more surface area and deeper water.

How deep should a water lily be planted?

Planting depth varies by variety. Newly planted water lilies can initially be positioned in shallower water, sometimes by raising the basket on bricks, and then lowered gradually as the leaves grow towards the surface. Check the recommended final depth for the specific variety.

Do water lilies need full sun to flower?

Most water lilies flower best with plenty of direct sunlight. A pond in heavy shade may produce fewer flowers, although requirements vary between varieties. When choosing a water lily, consider both the available sunlight and the mature size of the plant.

Can I grow a water lily in a small pond?

es. There are compact and miniature water lilies bred for small ponds, tubs and other container water features. Avoid choosing a vigorous full-sized variety for a small pond, as it can quickly cover too much of the surface.

Why is my water lily growing leaves but not flowering?

Poor flowering can result from insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, an unsuitable planting depth or lack of nutrients. Established water lilies may need dividing and repotting when congested, and plants that flower poorly may benefit from an appropriate aquatic fertiliser where feeding is required.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.