Nymphaea ‘Midnight’ (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea ‘Midnight’ (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting nearly round, dark green and dentate leaves, up to 10 in. wide (25 cm). Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the profuse, deep violet-blue, star-shaped flowers, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm). The anthers have been modified into petals, creating flowers that appear to have 95-123 petals. Each slightly fragrant blossom lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing by sundown. Blooming from summer into fall, Midnight is very free-flowering, non-viviparous, and produces many flowers over a long season. This tropical nymphaea is suitable for medium to large water gardens.

• Grows up to 8 in. tall (20 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
• Water depth: 12-30 in. (30-75 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.