Description of Nymphaea 'Masaniello'

Nymphaea 'Masaniello' is a hardy water lily that flowers freely in summer and builds a strong raft of pads. It grows as a clump from a rhizome and suits many garden ponds because it settles well in a basket. It is usually sold simply as Masaniello.

Appearance

The pads are rounded and dark to mid green, giving a solid backdrop for the flowers. Blooms open rose pink with paler outer petals and a warm centre, and many descriptions note a fragrance. Some flowers deepen towards a richer carmine as they mature. Because it produces plenty of buds, it can look colourful for longer rather than giving a single short flush.

Care Guide

Grow it in full sun and still water for the best flower count. Plant in a wide aquatic basket with loam based compost and a gravel cap. Set it shallow at first, then lower it in stages, aiming for around 30–75 cm over the crown once established. Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets during the growing season. Remove old leaves and spent flowers to keep the plant open and reduce debris. It is hardy, so keep it below ice level in winter.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

Masaniello suits small to medium ponds where you want a steady run of pink flowers without a fussy plant. The pad raft provides shade for fish and helps reduce light for algae. It also works well with marginal planting because the flowers sit where you can see them clearly. Divide in late spring if the basket becomes crowded so flowering stays free. Clear floating debris so buds on Masaniello can rise and open cleanly at the surface. Keep a small patch of open water near Masaniello so you can enjoy the flowers from the edge. A wide basket helps Masaniello spread evenly and usually improves flowering. If you lift Masaniello for repotting, do it in late spring when new shoots are obvious. Keep a small patch of open water near Masaniello so you can enjoy the flowers from the edge. If Masaniello makes lots of leaves but few flowers, feeding often helps more than changing depth. A wide basket helps Masaniello spread evenly and usually improves flowering. In ponds with fish, a gravel cap helps stop compost being disturbed around Masaniello. Keep a small patch of open water near Masaniello so you can enjoy the flowers from the edge. In ponds with fish, a gravel cap helps stop compost being disturbed around Masaniello. If Masaniello makes lots of leaves but few flowers, feeding often helps more than changing depth.