Nymphaea ‘Purple Joy’ (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea ‘Purple Joy’ (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting brilliant green viviparous leaves. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the spectacular flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm). Each fragrant blossom features pointed, crisp-white petals with contrasting purple tips. They surround a conspicuous bouquet of golden stamens. Each flower lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing at night. Blooming from summer into fall, Purple Joy is free-flowering and produces many flowers over a long season. This tropical nymphaea is suitable for medium to large ponds.

• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 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.