A peach hardy waterlily (Nymphaea spp.) is a stunning aquatic perennial known for its sunset-hued blooms, making it a standout in water gardens and ponds. These lilies are cold-tolerant, long-blooming, and relatively easy to grow in temperate climates.

🌸 Detailed Description of a Peach Hardy Waterlily:

🌼 Flowers:

• The blooms range from soft peach to apricot or coral-pink, often with deeper tones toward the base of the petals.

• Petals are pointed or rounded, usually layered in 3 to 5 rows, creating a lush, star-like shape.

• Flowers are cup-shaped when newly opened and become more flat and open with age.

• Centers feature a bright yellow cluster of stamens, adding a vibrant focal point.

• Diameter typically ranges from 4 to 6 inches, depending on variety and growing conditions.

🕰 Blooming Behavior:

• Blooms float on the water’s surface and open during the day, usually around mid-morning, closing by late afternoon.

• Flowering occurs from late spring to early autumn, often with multiple blooms at once.

🍃 Foliage (Lily Pads):

• Leaves are rounded with a central cleft, typically green with possible purple mottling, especially when young.

• Floating leaves are about 6–12 inches wide.

• Provide shade to reduce algae and offer habitat for pond wildlife.

🪷 Growth and Care:

• Grows from a rhizome planted in submerged containers or directly in pond soil at 6–18 inches depth.

• Thrives in full sun and still water.

• Hardy to USDA zones 3–10, depending on cultivar.

Peach hardy waterlilies bring a warm, elegant touch to ponds, blending beautifully with white, yellow, or pink varieties for a dynamic aquatic display.