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Buildings and Structures
Glasshouses
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Waterlily House
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This is the hottest and most humid glasshouse at Kew. In summer it houses tropical ornamental aquatic plants and climbers, plus economically significant plants such as rice, taro and lemon grass. In summer the waterlilies, including Nymphaea species and one of the giant waterlilies (Victoria cruziana), make a beautiful and serene display. It is also used as a display house during the festivals.
The Waterlily House was built in 1851 to house the giant waterlily (Victoria amazonica). However, the plant never fared very well there, and in 1866 the house was converted to an Economic Plant House for medicinal and culinary plants. It was restored to its current state in 1991.
The Waterlily House is number 45 on the visitor map. It is closed in winter.