Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily – Deep Red Elegance for Your Pond
The Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily is a show-stopping classic among hardy red waterlilies. With its intense, dark-red blooms and vigorous growth habit, this variety adds rich, romantic color to any pond or water garden. Each flower features multiple layers of deep crimson petals, opening wide in the sunlight to reveal a glowing golden center.
A heavy bloomer and easy grower, Atropurpurea delivers bloom after bloom all summer long — often producing up to 80 flowers per season when given full sun and regular feeding. Its large green pads provide a lush contrast to the fiery blossoms, making this lily one of the most striking and rewarding red varieties you can own.
Whether planted in a container or directly in an earth-bottom pond, Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily will bring drama, color, and classic charm to your water garden.
🌱 Planting & Care Instructions for Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily
Plant Size: Medium-to-large hardy variety
Spread: 3–5 feet across
Suggested Container: 12–16 inch wide aquatic fabric pot, or plant directly into a shallow area of an earth-bottom pond
Planting Depth (from soil to water surface): 6–12 inches for best flowering results; may tolerate up to 18 inches in deeper ponds
Soil Requirements: Use heavy loam topsoil or PondGro Aquatic Soil. Never use bagged compost, aquatic planting media, peat, or gravel, as they hinder root growth or decompose in water.
Sunlight Needs: Full, direct sunlight for at least 6+ hours per day is essential for abundant blooming.
💧 How to Fertilize Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily
Feed with 4 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets pressed into the soil near the crown every two weeks during the growing season (April–September).
Regular feeding ensures continual blooming and vigorous growth.
For natural earth-bottom ponds, fertilize monthly to supplement nutrient levels.
🌸 Fragrance
The Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily has a soft, sweet fragrance that enhances its appeal and adds to the sensory experience of your pond.
✅ Do’s & ❌ Don’ts for Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily
✅ Do
Plant in full sun to encourage daily blooming.
Use wide containers filled with heavy loam soil.
Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season.
Divide every 1–2 years to prevent overcrowding.
Maintain shallow planting depth for maximum flower production.
❌ Don’t
❌ Don’t use compost, gravel, or bagged soils that float or rot in water.
❌ Don’t let the rhizome dry out — plant immediately after delivery.
❌ Don’t cover the crown with stones or gravel — this prevents new shoots from emerging.
❌ Don’t plant in shaded or crowded pond sections; pads must have open water and sunlight.
📦 Shipping Information for Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily
Shipping Window: April through September across the continental USA
Spring Shipping Schedule: In spring, plants are shipped according to our posted schedule for safe planting times in each region. Northern states ship later when water temperatures are warm enough.
Weekly Shipments: After spring, orders ship weekly through summer, usually until or through September.
Method: Shipped via 2–3 day service (usually UPS), though USPS or FedEx may occasionally be used based on location.
Timing: Orders are shipped at the beginning of each week to reduce weekend delays.
Tracking: You’ll receive a tracking email the day your order ships.
Arrival & Guarantee:
Plant your Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily immediately upon arrival. Do not let roots or pads dry out — all parts must remain wet.
Minor yellowing or bent leaves are normal and quickly replaced by new growth once planted.
If any issues arise, email photos within 24 hours (including unpacked plant and packing slip with initials) to PondQuestions@gmail.com for assistance.
Planting Depth (Soil to Water Surface): 6–12 inches for best results
Container Size Recommended: 12–16 inch wide aquatic fabric container, or plant directly in earth-bottom pond
Sunlight Requirements: Full 6+ hours of strong, direct sunlight daily
Fertilizing Schedule: 4 tablets every two weeks (1st and 15th of each month, April–September)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4–11 (winter hardy)
Shipped As: Shipped as a live pond plant (rhizome with starter growth) — must be planted immediately in heavy loam soil or directly in a pond upon arrival. All parts must remain wet during unpacking and planting.
🌺 Why Choose Atropurpurea Hardy Water Lily
Because it’s bold, timeless, and intensely beautiful. The deep red color of Atropurpurea adds a sense of luxury and drama to your pond, while its vigorous growth and heavy blooming make it one of the most rewarding hardy waterlilies available. Whether you’re a collector or a first-time pond owner, this variety will bring long-lasting color and excitement to your water garden year after year.
