Victoria cruziana (Santa Cruz Water Lily)

One of the largest water lilies in the world, Victoria cruziana (Santa Cruz Water Lily) is an impressive tender aquatic perennial boasting huge, round, bright green leaves, up to 4-6 ft. across (120-180 cm). They float on the water’s surface on a long submerged stalk. Flat at first, they develop a rim, 5-8 in. high (12-20 cm), with a green exterior, veined red. The reddish-purple undersides of the leaves are covered with soft hairs. In summer, double, night-blooming flowers, 12 in. across (30 cm) open a creamy white and then turn light pink after pollination. The flowers bloom at dusk, closing by noon the following day, and last 2 days. They are strongly fragrant and emit a pineapple fragrance. As the blossoms open, they will rise above the water’s surface. After opening, the flowers will slip below the water surface. One single plant can have as many as 50 flowers each summer. Native to slowly moving, shallow waterways in subtropical South America, this rhizomatous Giant Water Lily is suitable for large water gardens, pools, or ponds. The leaves are so massive that they tend they cover most of the surface of the water. This means that no sunlight can reach the rest of the water. Therefore, no algae can grow, and with no food source, animals that feed on algae cannot exist.

• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 15-20 ft. wide (450-600 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in organically rich loams in quiet water, up to 12-36 in. deep (30-90 cm). Plants require a water temperature of at least 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the growing season.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed.
• In cold areas, containers may be brought indoors before the first frost for overwintering.
• Native to subtropical South America, where it is found in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.