Water lilies are enchanting aquatic plants known for their floating leaves (lily pads) and stunning, fragrant flowers. They thrive in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water, adding natural beauty while supporting healthy ecosystems. Water lilies add grace, splendor, and beauty to any pond or water garden. They float on the surface of the pond and are surrounded by a blanket of waxy, round lily pad leaves. There are many variations of water lilies - in hardy and tropical varieties. Water lilies also provide nourishment and shade for fish, promote a balanced ecosystem, and are bee-friendly!
What Do Water Lilies Do?
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Provide Shade & Cool Water – Their broad leaves create shade, reducing water temperature and protecting fish like koi from excessive sunlight.
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Reduce Algae Growth – By blocking sunlight, they limit algae blooms, keeping water clearer.
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Oxygenate the Water – While they release oxygen during the day, their roots also help filter excess nutrients.
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Shelter for Fish & Wildlife – Lily pads offer hiding spots for fish, frogs, and beneficial insects.
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Enhance Aesthetics – With blooms in colors like white, pink, yellow, red, and blue, they transform ponds into serene, picturesque retreats.
Jump to Hardy Lilies Jump to Tropical Lilies
Fertilization & Lily Cultivation
Water X Scapes recommends planting water lilies in a two gallon solid planting container, tub, or basin. To fertilize water lilies use PondTabbs Aquatic Plant Food (1 tablet per gallon of aquatic soil each month during the growing season). Check out our article Fertilizing Pond Plants to expand your knowledge on feeding your aquatic plants safely. Alternatively, read up on how to properly divide water lilies and lotus to maintain healthy growth and prevent them from becoming pot-bound.
What Does Hardy Water Lily Mean?
A "hardy" lily is a type of water lily that's able to survive colder climates and overwinter in ponds. Hardy water lilies are perennial; showcasing their beautiful blossoms a single season a year. Hardy lilies also grow from a rhizome (an underground stem). In contrast, "Tropical" water lilies require a much warmer climate, and while they may do well in ponds during the hot summer months they'll perish or, depending on the lily planting depth & other factors, revert to bulbs when temperatures dip below 55 degrees F. It's recommended to relocate tropicals elsewhere during the winter.
Take a closer look at a fun selection of tropical and hardy water lily varieties for ponds!
Hardy Water Lilies
Pink Sensation Water Lily
This dazzling tropical beauty is known for vibrant, star-shaped, blooms and lush green lily pads. The Pink Sensation is an eye-catching water lily that adds a dramatic pop of color to water gardens; a favorite among aquatic enthusiasts. Great for any sized backyard pond. Flowers tend to stay open later into the afternoon compared with other pink hardy lilies.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 3-6" cup/cactus shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~5ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 8-36" (3ft)
Nymphaea 'Arc-En-Ciel' Water Lily
The 'Arc-En-Ciel' (French for "rainbow") is a hardy water lily celebrated for its uniquely variegated foliage and delicate blooms. Unlike most water lilies, this variety is prized as much for its striking variegated leaves as for its flowers, making it a standout choice for ornamental ponds and water gardens. Perfect for those seeking both foliage and floral beauty, 'Arc-En-Ciel' is a living masterpiece that transforms ponds into a kaleidoscope of color!
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 3-6" cup/cactus shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~5ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 6-24" (2ft)
Attraction Red Water Lily
The 'Attraction Red' water lily is a striking hardy variety prized for its deep crimson blooms and vigorous growth. A classic choice for ponds, its rich color and large flowers create a stunning focal point while providing essential shade and shelter for aquatic life. Pair with white or pink lilies for a stunning contrast, or let it stand alone as a bold centerpiece. Its rich hue intensifies in full sunlight!
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 5-7" cup/cactus shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~4-6ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 18-36" (3ft)
Colorado Water Lily
The 'Colorado' water lily is a hardy hybrid celebrated for its warm, peachy-pink blooms that resemble a desert sunset. A favorite among pond keepers, this variety offers exceptional color, vigor, and adaptability, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced water gardeners. A beautiful "spiller" water lily with burgundy speckled variegated leaves & peach/salmon colored, fragrant, blooms adds marvelous appeal to any pond.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 5-7" cup/cactus shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~4-6ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 18-36" (3ft)
Queen of Whites Water Lily
The 'Queen of Whites' is a magnificent hardy water lily revered for its pristine, snow-white blooms and regal presence. Known for its large, fragrant flowers and vigorous growth, this variety brings timeless sophistication to any pond or water garden. Typically blooms through morning until noon
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 4-6" cup/goblet shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~5-7ft
- Flowering: June-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 6-48" (4ft)
Joey Tomocik Water Lily
Among hardy yellow water lilies, none shine brighter than Nymphaea 'Joey Tomocik.' This dazzling cultivar produces cheerful, daffodil-yellow blooms measuring 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) across, held proudly 6 inches (15 cm) above the water’s surface—creating a vibrant pop of color. Its lightly mottled green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for these sunny flowers. Compact yet eye-catching, 'Joey Tomocik' adapts beautifully to any pond size, from intimate container water gardens to larger aquatic landscapes.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 4-6" cup/stellate shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~6-10ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 12-36"
Wanvisa Water Lily
The Nymphaea 'Wanvisa' is a captivating hardy waterlily that delights with its ever-changing palette of sunset hues. A masterpiece by renowned hybridizer Dr. Nopchai Chansilpa, this exceptional variety blends peachy-reds, golden yellows, and soft pinks in striking, marbled patterns across each bloom. While it may bloom more modestly than some varieties, when 'Wanvisa' flowers, it puts on an unforgettable show—its watercolor-washed petals shimmering above the water like liquid fire. What makes this hardy hybrid truly special is its chameleon-like nature: no two flowers display exactly the same mesmerizing blend of apricot, peach, and strawberry tones. The blooms' artful striations and painterly streaks ensure each is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder, bringing an artist's touch to any pond or water garden.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 3-6" cup/stellate shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~3-6ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 12-15"
Black Princess Water Lily
The Nymphaea 'Black Princess' is a truly majestic waterlily, commanding attention with its deep, velvety blooms that verge on black - a rare and dramatic treasure for any water garden. This hardy variety produces stunning 3-6 inch flowers in the richest shades of merlot and burgundy, so dark they appear almost black in certain lights, like liquid night blooming upon the water's surface.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 3-6" cup/goblet shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~4-6ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 12-15"
Yellow 'Lemon' Chiffon Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Lemon Chiffon' is a delightful waterlily that stands out with its charming double yellow blooms, which float gracefully on the water's surface — unlike other yellow varieties. Its lush, dark green leaves are artfully flecked with subtle patterning, creating a beautiful contrast with the sunny flowers. Perfect for small to medium ponds (20 inches or deeper), this versatile beauty thrives in full sun to partial shade, bringing a touch of cheerful elegance to any water garden.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 4-6" cup/peony shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~3-4ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 18-36"
Perry's Super Red Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Perry's Super Red' is a show-stopping hardy waterlily that brings vibrant color and elegant charm to any water garden. Its large, rich red blooms float gracefully on the water's surface, releasing a delicate, sweet fragrance that enhances the pondside experience.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 4-6" cup/peony shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~2-4ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 18-36"
Mayla Fushia Pink Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Mayla' is a spectacular hardy waterlily that commands attention with its vibrant fuchsia blooms and intoxicating fragrance. This exceptional variety produces magnificent double flowers, each packed with layer upon layer of rich rose-pink petals that radiate from a center of glowing orange stamens. The striking color contrast creates a mesmerizing floral display that seems to float effortlessly on the water's surface.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 5-6" cup/goblet shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~6-8ft
- Flowering: May-September
- Sunlight: Best in full sun to partial shade
- Type: Hardy
- Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Water Depth: 6-24"
Tropical Water Lilies
Maroon Beauty Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Maroon Beauty' is a captivating night-blooming tropical waterlily that unveils its dramatic beauty under the moonlight. As dusk falls, this extraordinary variety opens its velvety, deep maroon flowers, each an impressive 8 to 10 inches across, with striking star-shaped forms that seem to capture starlight in their inky centers. The blooms release an intoxicating fragrance that grows stronger through the night, creating a sensory experience as remarkable as its visual display.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 8-10" cup/goblet shaped petals
- Growth Spread: ~6-8ft
- Flowering: June-August
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun
- Type: Tropical
- Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Water Depth: 12-24"
Star of Siam Water Lily
Nymphaea ‘Star of Siam’ is an exquisite day-blooming tropical waterlily, celebrated for its rare true blue flowers that rise elegantly above the water’s surface. Each delicate bloom, 6 to 10 inches across, features slender petals that radiate like starbursts around a cluster of golden stamens, releasing a subtle, sweet fragrance as they open to the sun.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 6-10" petals
- Growth Spread: ~3-5ft
- Flowering: June-August
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun
- Type: Tropical
- Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Water Depth: 12-24"
Blue Beauty Water Lily
Nymphaea ‘Blue Beauty’ is a stunning tropical waterlily that graces ponds with an abundance of lavender-blue blossoms, each cradling a crown of golden-yellow stamens. A prolific summer bloomer, its fragrant flowers unfold daily, their softly ruffled petals exuding a delicate perfume that lingers in the warm air.
Characteristics
- Bloom Size: 8-10" petals
- Growth Spread: ~3-5ft
- Flowering: June-August
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun
- Type: Tropical
- Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Water Depth: 12-24"