A red hardy waterlily (Nymphaea spp.) is one of the most dramatic and visually striking aquatic plants you can add to a pond or water garden. These robust perennials are cold-tolerant, bloom reliably, and offer deep, vibrant color that commands attention.

🌺 Detailed Description of a Red Hardy Waterlily:

🌼 Flowers:

• Blooms are a rich, saturated red, ranging from ruby and crimson to deep burgundy or scarlet.

• Petals are pointed or oval, typically arranged in multiple symmetrical layers (often 20+ petals), forming a starburst or peony-like shape.

• The flower center contrasts beautifully with bright yellow stamens, adding a pop of color and drawing in pollinators.

• Flowers usually measure 5 to 8 inches wide, depending on the cultivar.

🕰 Blooming Habit:

• Flowers float on the surface of the water and open in the mid-morning, closing by late afternoon or evening.

• Blooming season lasts from late spring to early fall, with many red cultivars producing frequent and long-lasting blooms.

🍃 Foliage (Lily Pads):

• Leaves are rounded with a classic cleft, ranging from solid green to green with purplish mottling, especially in younger leaves.

• They typically measure 6–12 inches in diameter.

• Pads float on the water surface, helping to shade the pond and limit algae growth.

🪷 Growth & Requirements:

• Grows from a rhizome, usually planted in a submerged container or pond shelf about 6–18 inches deep.

• Requires full sun (at least 5–6 hours daily) for best blooming.

• Hardy to USDA zones 3–10, making it suitable for most temperate climates.