Water lilies (Nymphaea) are the most popular of the aquatics and are divided into two distinct types, HARDY & TROPICAL. Both are very diverse, from dwarf to large, but tropicals offer the most variety and color intensity. They are the showiest and best suited to our climate.
HARDY TROPICAL
Can freeze Cannot freeze
SEASONS May/June - Sept/Oct April/May – freezing
All year in zone 10, 9b
SIZES Pygmy – large Pygmy – humongous
Float or just above water High above water
White, yellow, red, pink, salmon Also purple & blue
BLOOMS Not fragrant Very fragrant
Colors usually pastel Colors intense
Day bloomers only Day & night bloomers
More blooms per plant
Round, smooth edged Ovate, irregular edges
LEAVES Usually green Also mottled & maroon
Some viviparous
ROOTS Horizontal rhizome Round tuber
Sample of Some Water Lily (Nymphaea) Varieties
Hardies:
Odorata – White; found in lakes and ponds around the world
Mexicana – Yellow; FL native with tropical tendencies; very vigorous grower; may bloom year-round
‘Colorado’ – Salmon; excellent bloomer; vigorous growth; may bloom year-round
Tropical Daybloomers:
‘Panama Pacific’ – Viviparous purple/pink; takes lower light and some cold; good for smaller water gardens. A prolific bloomer and definite winner since 1914.
‘Dauben’ – Light blue; highly viviparous; tolerates more shade than most; excellent for small pots
‘Albert Greenberg’ – Sunset colored; mottled leaves; excellent bloomer; long season
‘Queen of Siam’ – Raspberry pink; mottled leaves; viviparous; good bloomer; newer variety
‘Tina’ – Viviparous violet/blue; excellent bloomer; takes some shade & cold; good for smaller ponds
Tropical Nightblooomers:
‘Antares’, ‘Red Flare’, ‘Emily Grant Hutchings’ – Reddish or hot pink blooms; darker leaves; still need full sun.
