Nymphaea ‘Panama Pacific’ (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea ‘Pamela’ (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting nearly round, dark green leaves, up to 10 in. wide (25 cm), with a beautiful purple mottling. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the profuse, deep violet-purple flowers, 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm). The highly fragrant blossoms open cup-shaped and then evolve star-shaped. Each flower lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing by sundown. Blooming from summer into fall, Pamela is very free-flowering, bearing clusters of 5 or more flowers at a time. Hardier than many other tropical water lilies, this tropical nymphaea is viviparous and 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.