Alphabetical Plant Listing

Nymphaea colorata (Tropical Water Lily)

Blue Pigmy, Colorata, Tropical Nymphaea


Nymphaea colorata (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting rounded green leaves, up to 8 in. (20 cm), adorned with bluish to purple undersides. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the pinwheel-shaped flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm). Each blossom features wisteria blue, pointed petals (13-15) surrounding a conspicuous bouquet of purple stamens. Blooming all summer, Nymphaea colorata is a tropical nymphaea that is nonviviparous and free-flowering. It will continue to bloom when the temperature drops to 65ºF (18ºC).

  • Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). This nymphaea is perfect for small to medium ponds and containers.
  • Performs best in full sun in undisturbed water . Appreciates some part shade in hot summer areas where daytime temperatures reach 100ºF (35ºC). Needs protection from wind.
  • Plant tubers in spring, preferably in a small container, after the water temperature has warmed to about 70ºF (21ºC). Feed every 2-3 weeks with a proprietary aquatic fertilizer.
  • Deadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for water-lily beetle, water lily aphid, brown china-mark moth, false leaf-mining midge, crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot.
  • Native to tropical East Africa. It was first described by A. Peter in 1928.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants
Plant Family Nymphaea - Water Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens

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Russell Harris, Belgian Chocolate, Thomas Duvrai, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants
Plant Family Nymphaea - Water Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens

Guides with Nymphaea - Water Lilies

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