Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily

Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily – The Belle of the Pond

The Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily (translated “Queen of the Ball”) lives up to its regal name with deep red, goblet-shaped blooms that command attention on every pond they grace. Elegant, richly colored, and classically shaped, this variety has been celebrated for over a century as one of the finest red hardy waterlilies ever developed.

Each flower unfurls layers of velvety red petals that shimmer against the glossy green pads, creating a striking contrast. In full bloom, Reine du Ball’s blossoms stand proudly above the water, glowing like jewels in the sunlight. With a medium size and refined form, this lily brings old-world beauty and timeless elegance to modern ponds.

Planting & Care Instructions

• Plant Size: Medium hardy waterlily

• Spread: 3–4 feet across

• Suggested Container: 12–16 inch wide aquatic fabric container, or plant directly into an earth-bottom pond

• Planting Depth (from soil to water surface): 6–18 inches for best results

• Soil: Use heavy loam topsoil or PondGro Aquatic Loam Soil; avoid composts, peat, or aquatic media, which float or rot

• Sunlight Needs: Full sun — at least 6+ hours of strong, direct light daily

• Water Conditions: Still water preferred; avoid fountains or aeration directly over pads

• Blooming Habit: Reliable bloomer through summer when given proper light, space, and fertilizer

Fertilizing Schedule

• Feed on the 1st and 15th of each month (May–September).

• Insert 3–4 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets 3–4 inches deep near the rhizome crown.

• Regular feeding ensures strong roots, continuous flowering, and bold coloration.

Fragrance

The Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily has a delicate, sweet fragrance — subtle yet refreshing, enhancing the atmosphere of any pond or garden.

Water Lily Planting Tips

💡 Position the container where it receives full sun for most of the day — this lily’s deep red tones develop best under bright light.
💡 Use wide, shallow containers to give rhizomes room to spread and produce more flowers.
💡 Plant in calm water; constant ripples or fountains can reduce flowering.
💡 Divide rhizomes every 1–2 years in spring to rejuvenate growth and maintain steady blooming.
💡 Keep water clean and well-balanced — avoid overcrowding with floating plants that block light.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do

• Plant in full sun for richest color and heaviest blooms.

• Use heavy loam soil for root strength and longevity.

• Fertilize twice monthly through the growing season.

• Divide regularly to maintain vigor.

• Keep crown slightly above soil line when planting.

Don’t

• ❌ Don’t use bagged composts or gravel — they cause root rot or suffocation.

• ❌ Don’t plant too deep (>18 inches); shallower water promotes heavier flowering.

• ❌ Don’t let rhizomes dry out during unpacking — plant immediately.

• ❌ Don’t allow floating plants to shade pads.

• ❌ Don’t cover the rhizome crown with stones.

Shipping Information

• Shipping Window: April through September across the continental USA

• Spring Schedule: Ships according to our posted planting calendar, timed to your area’s safe planting window (northern orders ship later).

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

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

• Schedule: Shipments are sent at the start of each week to prevent weekend delays.

• Tracking: You’ll receive an email with tracking details on the day your order ships.

Arrival & Guarantee:

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

• Must be repotted immediately in heavy loam soil or planted directly into an earth-bottom pond.

• Keep all parts (rhizome, crown, roots, and leaves) wet during unpacking and planting.

• Minor yellowing or leaf bending is normal in shipping and replaced by new growth quickly.

• For any issues, email photos within 24 hours (unpacked plant + packing slip with initials) to PondQuestions@gmail.com.

Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily – Specifications

About the Variety – Reine du Ball

The Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily is a historic French hybrid from Latour-Marliac, the same legendary hybridizer whose lilies inspired Claude Monet’s famous paintings. With its rich red goblet blooms and classic lily-pad silhouette, this variety continues to charm gardeners over a century later.

Its combination of old-world elegance and modern dependability makes Reine du Ball a timeless favorite. It’s hardy, adaptable, and blooms beautifully in lined ponds or natural settings alike.

Benefits of Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily

• 🌺 Classic beauty: Deep red, perfectly formed blooms with a timeless look.

• 🌿 Hardy and dependable: Proven performer across a wide range of climates.

• 🌞 Strong bloomer: Produces flowers reliably through the summer months.

• 💧 Easy to grow: Excellent for both beginners and collectors.

• 🎨 Historic lineage: From the same breeder who inspired Monet’s water garden.

Why Gardeners Love This Variety

Because Reine du Ball Hardy Water Lily represents the perfect balance of heritage and performance. Its brilliant red flowers bring instant elegance to the pond, and its hardy nature makes it a reliable perennial year after year.

Gardeners appreciate its classic goblet shape, sweet fragrance, and consistent bloom cycle — all traits that make it both a collector’s treasure and a joy for beginners. It’s not just a waterlily; it’s a living piece of pond history.