Nymphaea Conqueror (Hardy Water Lily)

Nymphaea ‘Conqueror’ (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting slightly bronze rounded leaves, up to 8 in. wide (20 cm), when young. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large cup- to star-shaped flowers. Each slightly fragrant blossom, up to 7-8 in. across (17-20 cm), features deep red inner petals and almost white outer petals that turn pink as the flower ages.

Nymphaea 'Conqueror' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting slightly bronze rounded leaves, up to 8 in. wide (20 cm), when young. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large cup- to star-shaped flowers. Each slightly fragrant blossom, up to 7-8 in. across (17-20 cm), features deep red inner petals and almost white outer petals that turn pink as the flower ages. They surround a conspicuous bouquet of yellow stamens. Each flower lasts several days, opening in the morning and closing in the late afternoon. Blooming from early summer to early fall, Conqueror is free-flowering and produces many flowers over a long season. This hardy nymphaea is recommended for medium to large ponds.

  • Grows up to 4 in. tall (10 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm). 
  • Depth of water: 6-24 in. (15-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in loamy soil in undisturbed water. Plant in a basket with the crown just below the soil surface and covered with pea shingle. Feed during the growing season with a proprietary aquatic fertilizer.
  • Deadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly.
  • 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.
  • Propagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 10

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
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2"
– 4"
(5cm
– 10cm)
Spread 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spacing 36″
– 60″
(90cm
– 150cm)
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