Nymphaea ‘August Koch’ (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea ‘August Koch’ (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting nearly round, olive green, unevenly serrated leaves, up to 12 in. wide (30 cm), with wavy edges. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the profuse, cup-shaped flowers, 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm). Their 22-25 petals are rich blue while the sepals are lilac-purple. Each pleasantly fragrant blossom lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing by sundown. Blooming from summer into fall, August Koch is very free-flowering, highly 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: 6-18 in. (15-45 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.