Colorado Water Lily
The Colorado Water Lily (Nymphaea ‘Colorado’) is a stunning hardy hybrid renowned for its unusual salmon-pink blooms and prolific flowering habit. Bred for both beauty and performance, this variety is ideal for ponds of all sizes and thrives in a wide range of climates. Its vibrant color and compact growth make it a favorite among water gardeners across the country.
Key Features
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Bloom Color: Soft peach to salmon-pink with yellow undertones
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Bloom Size: 4–6 inches in diameter
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Foliage: Olive-green leaves with occasional maroon flecks, each about 6–8 inches across
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Blooming Period: Late spring through early fall
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Growth Habit: Free-flowering with a spread of 3–5 feet
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Sunlight Requirements: Full sun; minimum 5–6 hours of direct sunlight recommended
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Water Depth: Ideal planting depth is 12 to 24 inches
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USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–10
Planting & Care
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Planting Medium: Use heavy clay loam or aquatic soil; avoid potting mixes with bark or perlite
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Container: Wide, shallow planting containers work best (2–3 gallons or larger)
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Fertilization: Feed monthly with aquatic plant fertilizer tablets during growing season
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Maintenance: Remove yellowing leaves and old blooms to encourage new growth
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Winter Care: Hardy to Zone 4; plant rhizomes deep enough to avoid freezing or bring indoors in harsh winters
Benefits
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Unique Color: One of the few hardy water lilies with peach-pink blooms
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Fragrance: Lightly scented flowers add to the sensory appeal
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Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and beneficial insects
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Algae Control: Provides surface shade to help reduce algae growth
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Compact Size: Great for small ponds or container water gardens
Availability
The Colorado Water Lily is widely available from aquatic nurseries and online garden suppliers. Look for bare-root plants or pre-potted specimens for easy transplanting into your pond or water feature.
Add warmth and elegance to your pond with the glowing blooms of the Colorado Water Lily—a top choice for color, hardiness, and repeat flowering all summer long.
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.