Nymphaea and Nelumbo Plant Registrations

Deadline for submissions of Nymphaea and Nelumbo Registrations is November 1st each year.

Cultivars of waterlilies and lotus are registered for two reasons: first to prevent, as much as possible, names that are already appropriated from being given to new hybrids, and second, to prevent the use of names which so closely resemble existing names that they would cause confusion. Names must also conform to the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.

The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS) is recognized by the International Society for Horticultural Science as the official registrar for waterlilies (Nymphaeaceae) and lotus (Nelumbonaceae). The registrars’ purpose is to serve local, national and international horticulture through recording and clarifying areas of confusion in the naming and identification of cultivated plants in these families.

The registrars for these two genera are responsible for ensuring that each new cultivar name adheres to the guidelines put forth in the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP). This publication is created by the International Society for Horticultural Science and details the rules and recommendations for naming plants in cultivation. A downloadable copy of the ICNCP is available at this site.

Use of the RHS Color Chart is recommended in order to complete the registration form where color is requested. Some botanic libraries may have these available or they can be purchased directly from the RHS Shop.

Below you will find links to registration forms for both Nymphaea and Nelumbo cultivars. If you have any questions regarding the registration process, you may contact the registrar listed there.