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 |
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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 |