Yellow and green water lilies with pink and white lotuses

Water Lilies and Lotuses

Section Navigation

Water Lilies and Lotuses
Mid-July to mid-September — Actual bloom time may vary

When the heat is on, these plants of myth and legend bring their magic to the Conservatory courtyard pools.

People have long appreciated the beauty and resilience of aquatic plants. The sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, symbolizes eternal life in Buddhism. Preserved petals of water lilies have been found in 3,000-year-old Egyptian tombs. Water lilies and lotus in brilliant yellow, pink, purple, and even blue float serenely next to waving grasses and reeds. Dominating the tropical pool is the Victoria amazonica, the world’s largest water lily, whose leaves can span seven-feet across.

Season Galleries

  • White lotus and leaves in water with the reflection of the Conservatory
  • Bright prink lotus flower with several more in the background with lily pads scattered around
  • Areas of water lilies scattered throughout the Conservatory Pool
  • Lotuses and water lilies in the water with the Conservatory reflected in the water
  • White and yellow overhead close up of flower with green leaves below it
  • Pink lotus surrounded by green lilies
  • Waterlily and Lotus - Summer
  • One large purple leaf with smaller green/light red leaves around it
  • Waterlily and Lotus - Summer

    herb

  • Waterlily and Lotus - Summer
  • Waterlily and Lotus - Summer
  • Waterlily and Lotus - Summer

    herb

  • White and purple lotus with multi-colored leaves below
  • White lotus flower with large lily pads surrounding it
  • Pink and white lotus with large multi-colored lily pads in the water
  • Pink lotus and it's reflection in the water surrounded by lilies
  • Conservatory Courtyard with waterlilies and lotuses in the fall.

    Conservatory dome.

  • Pink lotuses and green and red water lilies floating on water
  • Conservatory Courtyard with waterlilies and lotuses in the fall.
  • White and pink lotus with multi-colored leaves around it and a black and white spotted fish
  • Pink lotus flower with several green and dark pink leaves
  • Two pink lotuses and one white lotus in bloom with the Conservatory in the background
  • Green water lilies in the water with the reflection of the Conservatory's Palm Dome
  • Close up of green lily pad with water droplets

Take a Class

Choose from 100s of classes in gardening, art, design and the environment.

Do It Yourself

Browse gardening tips, chores, and FAQs in our LibGuide collection.

Contact Plant Experts

Get assistance with in-depth, unusual, odd, curious, extraordinary or atypical questions.

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about all things NYBG

Subscribe Now