Nymphaea August Koch (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea ‘August Koch’ (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting nearly round, olive green, unevenly serrated leaves, up to 12 in. wide (30 cm), with wavy edges. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the profuse, cup-shaped flowers, 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm). Their 22-25 petals are rich blue while the sepals are lilac-purple. Each pleasantly fragrant blossom lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing by sundown.

Nymphaea 'August Koch' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting nearly round, olive green, unevenly serrated leaves, up to 12 in. wide (30 cm), with wavy edges. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the profuse, cup-shaped flowers, 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm). Their 22-25 petals are rich blue while the sepals are lilac-purple. Each pleasantly fragrant blossom lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing by sundown. Blooming from summer into fall, August Koch is very free-flowering, highly viviparous, and produces many flowers over a long season. This tropical nymphaea is suitable for medium to large water gardens.

  • Grows up to 8 in. tall (20 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
  • Water depth: 6-18 in. (15-45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in undisturbed water. Appreciates some part shade in hot summer areas where daytime temperatures reach 100ºF (35ºC). Needs protection from wind.
  • Plant tubers in spring, with the crown slightly above the soil surface, after the water temperature has warmed to about 70ºF (20ºC). Feed every 2-3 weeks with a proprietary aquatic fertilizer.
  • Deadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for water-lily beetle, water lily aphid, brown china-mark moth, false leaf-mining midge, crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants
Plant Family Nymphaea – Water Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6"
– 8"
(15cm
– 20cm)
Spread 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spacing 48″
– 72″
(120cm
– 180cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens