Nymphaea ‘King of Siam’ (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea ‘King of Siam’ (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting dark green leaves, up to 8 in. wide (20 cm), flecked with brown. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large, very full, deep violet flowers, 6 in. across (15 cm). The stamens have been modified into petals, creating flowers that appear to have over 100 petals. Each pleasantly fragrant blossom features pointed, deep violet petals surrounding a conspicuous bouquet of golden stamens. Each flower lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing by sundown. Blooming from summer into fall, King of Siam is free-flowering, non-viviparous, and produces many flowers over a long season. King of Siam is a tropical nymphaea.

• Grows up to 8 in. tall (20 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
• Water depth: 8-24 in. (20-60 cm).
• 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, with the crown slightly above the soil surface, after the water temperature has warmed to about 70ºF (20ºC). 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.