So Beautiful Nymphaea Marliacea Carnea Flower

Nymphaea Marliacea Carnea: The Graceful Beauty of Water Gardens
Among the diverse and enchanting world of aquatic plants, few possess the elegance and serene charm of the water lily. One particularly refined variety that has captured the hearts of gardeners and water garden enthusiasts for generations is Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea'. This classic hardy water lily is known for its delicate blush-pink blooms and timeless beauty, making it a staple in ornamental ponds across the globe.
A Brief Introduction to the Marliacea Series
The Marliacea series of water lilies was developed in the 19th century by the famed French horticulturist Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac. Prior to his innovations, water lilies in European gardens were largely limited to white and pale-colored flowers. Latour-Marliac's hybrids introduced a broader palette of colors, from yellows and reds to pinks and purples. His creations won global recognition when they were displayed at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris, an event famously visited by Claude Monet, who would go on to plant Latour-Marliac’s lilies in his iconic Giverny garden.
Among these exquisite cultivars is Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea', one of the earliest and most cherished pink-flowered varieties.
Botanical Profile
Botanical Name: Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea'
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Type: Hardy water lily
Flower Color: Soft, pale pink with a creamy center
Bloom Time: Late spring to early autumn
Leaf Spread: 3 to 5 feet
Water Depth: 12 to 24 inches
Sun Exposure: Full sun for optimal flowering
Appearance and Characteristics
Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea' is celebrated for its graceful, cup-shaped blooms, typically consisting of 20 to 25 petals that range from soft shell-pink to blush ivory, often with subtle gradations of tone that give the flower a delicate, almost ethereal appearance. The flowers are slightly fragrant and measure around 4 to 6 inches across.
Its leaves are round, leathery, and rich green with slight mottling when young, offering a perfect contrast to the gentle hue of the blooms. Like all hardy water lilies, Marliacea Carnea is a day-bloomer, opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon.