Almost Black Hardy Water Lily
Almost Black Hardy Water Lily is an iconic, dramatic centerpiece for outdoor water gardens, famous for producing some of the deepest, richest dark blossoms in the aquatic world. Featuring luxurious, peony-style double flowers, its petals emerge in an intense, saturated crimson that quickly matures into an ultra-dark black-red hue. Floating alongside rounded, dark green lily pads with bronze undertones, this hardy perennial brings bold contrast, non-stop summer blooms, and reliable cold hardiness to lined ponds, container bowls, and natural earth-bottom ponds.
| Bloom Color | Deep velvety crimson to near-black red with glowing center |
| Flower Size & Form | 5"–6" dense, peony-style double blossoms |
| Plant Size & Spread | Medium–Large (4–5 ft leaf spread at maturity) |
| Planting Depth | 12" to 24" (Surface of water to top of soil/pot) |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Zones 4a – 12 (Perennial winter-hardy) |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full outdoor direct sunlight (6+ hours; not for shade) |
| Ideal Growing Setup | Lined garden ponds, patio tubs, natural earth-bottom ponds |
| Hybridizer / Origin | Perry D. Slocum (1996) |
How to Plant, Feed & Grow
- Lined Ponds: Plant in a wide, shallow, soft aquatic fabric planter filled with heavy loam garden soil (never use potting soil or light potting mixes). Plant the rhizome at a 45-degree angle with the growing tip/crown left barely exposed above the soil surface.
- Natural Earth-Bottom Ponds: Plant directly into shallow marginal mud shelves. This vigorous variety anchors well in earthen substrates and rarely requires supplemental feeding once settled.
- Measuring Depth: Always calculate planting depth from the water surface down to the top of the soil or pot rim, never to the pond floor.
- Fertilizer Schedule: For potted plants, insert 3 to 5 fish-safe aquatic fertilizer tablets into the root ball on the 1st and 15th of each month during active spring and summer growth.
- NO Rocks or Gravel: Never top aquatic pots with stones, pebbles, or pea gravel. This smothers the rhizome crown, prevents lateral root run, and completely voids your plant guarantee.
- Full Direct Sun Only: Hardy water lilies will not bloom in shade or indoors. They require full, direct, all-day outdoor sunlight.
- Wildlife Protection: Large Koi, turtles, and deer actively feed on tender lily pads and buds. Avoid keeping with large turtles or large Koi.
How We Ship & Live Arrival Guarantee
We ship bare-root, hydrated, nursery-fresh live pond plants packaged securely for quick rooting in your water garden. Orders ship between April and October 1st, perfectly timed for optimal spring planting in your regional hardiness zone.
Live Arrival Guarantee: We guarantee healthy arrival on all live water lilies. If your plant arrives in less than satisfactory condition, you must email clear photos of the plant and shipping packaging to PondQuestions@gmail.com immediately upon delivery. Delaying notification or using prohibited planting methods (such as rocks or gravel) voids all guarantees.
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