Nymphaea Director George T. Moore (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea 'Director George T. Moore' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting rounded green leaves, up to 12 in. wide (30 cm), with some purple markings. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large star-shaped flowers, 7-10 in. across (17-25 cm). Each blossom features pointed, violet-purple petals surrounding a conspicuous bouquet of golden stamens. Each flower lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing at night. Blooming all summer, Director George T. Moore is free-flowering and produces many flowers over a long season. Director George T. Moore is a tropical nymphaea.

• Grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and 5-8 ft. wide (150-240 cm). This nymphaea is a large water lily and therefore needs plenty of room.
• 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. Position the basket so that it is covered by 6-12 in. (15-30 cm) of water. 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.