Black Princess Hardy Water Lily – The Darkest Red Bloom in the Pond

The Black Princess Hardy Water Lily is the undisputed queen of dramatic pond plants. With its velvety, near-black, deep-burgundy blooms, this regal lily commands attention from the moment the first flower opens.

Each magnificent blossom boasts layers of perfectly shaped petals that darken toward the center until they appear almost black — glowing above rich green pads that frame every bloom in contrast.

Black Princess is not just breathtaking; it’s also dependable, hardy, and easy to grow. A decent bloomer especially in the north and central USA from late spring until almost frost, this lily thrives in most climates and delivers a steady succession of flowers that make every pond look like a royal water garden.

If you’re seeking a hardy waterlily that combines luxury, mystery, and performance, Black Princess is the ultimate showpiece.

🌱 Planting & Care Instructions for Black Princess Hardy Water Lily

• Plant Size: Medium-to-large hardy variety (3–5 ft spread)

• Container Size: 14–18 inch wide aquatic fabric container (or plant directly in a natural pond shelf)

• Planting Depth (from soil to water surface): 8–18 inches for best flowering

• Soil: Use heavy loam topsoil or PondGro Aquatic Loam Soil. Avoid bagged composts, peat, or stones that rot or float.

• Sunlight Needs: Full sun — minimum 6+ hours of direct midday light.

• Water: Prefers still or gently circulating water; avoid fountains splashing onto pads.

💡 Pond Tip: For the deepest flower color, place Black Princess in a spot with full, uninterrupted sunlight and fertilize on schedule.

💧 How to Fertilize Black Princess Hardy Water Lily

• Fertilize on the 1st and 15th of each month during the growing season (May–September).

• Use 4–5 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets per feeding.

• Push the tablets 3–4 inches deep into the soil around the rhizome crown.

• Regular feeding ensures constant blooming and the darkest, richest coloration.

🌸 Fragrance

The Black Princess Hardy Water Lily has a light, clean fragrance, most noticeable during the warm midday hours when the blooms are fully open.

✅ Do’s & ❌ Don’ts for Black Princess Hardy Water Lily

✅ Do

• Plant in full sun for the best color depth and continuous flowering.

• Use a wide, shallow container with heavy loam soil for strong rooting.

• Fertilize regularly to encourage deeply colored blooms.

• Divide rhizomes every 2 years to prevent crowding and maintain bloom vigor.

• Keep water calm for perfectly formed blooms.

❌ Don’t

• ❌ Don’t use gravel, aquatic media, or bagged compost — they rot and float.

• ❌ Don’t cover the crown with soil or stones.

• ❌ Don’t let floating plants or overhanging pads shade Black Princess; it needs direct sunlight for its signature color.

• ❌ Don’t plant too deep (> 20 inches), as this reduces flower frequency.

• ❌ Don’t let the plant dry out — always keep roots and crowns wet during unpacking and planting.

📦 Shipping Information for Black Princess Hardy Water Lily

• Shipping Window: April through September across the USA.

• Spring Shipping Schedule: Ships according to our posted schedule, timed to the safe planting window for your region (northern zones ship later).

• Weekly Shipments: After spring, we ship weekly through summer, usually until or through September.

• Method: 2–3 day service (usually UPS; occasionally USPS or FedEx based on region).

• Schedule: Orders ship at the start of each week to prevent weekend delays.

• Tracking: Customers receive an email with tracking details on the day of shipment.

Arrival & Guarantee:

• Shipped as a live pond plant (rhizome with starter growth).

• Must be planted immediately in heavy loam soil within an aquatic container or directly into a pond upon arrival.

• All parts (rhizome, crown, roots, and leaves) must remain wet during unpacking and planting.

• Minor leaf damage is normal and will be replaced by new growth within days.

• If concerns arise, email photos within 24 hours (unpacked plant + packing slip with initials) to PondQuestions@gmail.com.

📋 Black Princess Hardy Water Lily – Specifications

• Variety Name: Black Princess Hardy Water Lily

• Hybridizer: Created by Kirk Strawn, USA

• Flower Color: Velvety burgundy red to near-black

• Fragrance: Light, clean floral

• Flower Size: 4–6 inches across, multi-petaled

• Pad Color & Size: Green pads 6–8 inches across

• Plant Size & Spread: Medium-to-large (3–5 ft spread)

• Planting Depth (Soil to Water Surface): 8–18 inches

• Container Size Recommended: 14–18 inch wide aquatic container or pond planting

• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

• Fertilizing Schedule: 4–5 tablets on the 1st and 15th monthly (May–September)

• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4–11

• Shipped As: Live pond plant (rhizome with starter growth) — must be planted immediately upon arrival; keep all parts wet until planted.

🖤 Why Choose Black Princess Hardy Water Lily

Because no other hardy lily matches its depth of color, regal shape, or ease of care. The Black Princess is the definitive dark-red water lily, prized by collectors and first-time pond owners alike. Its near-black blooms add sophistication and mystery to any pond, while its hardy, reliable nature ensures years of performance with minimal effort.

A true standout among waterlilies — easy to grow with jaw-droppingly beautiful dark red flowers.

Reviews