How to Grow Midnight Water Lily
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Midnight Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Midnight'
flowerNymphaea 'Midnight' is a stunning dark-colored tropical water lily cultivar known for its deep burgundy to nearly black petals and prominent yellow stamens. This aquatic perennial flowers prolifically in warm water and is prized for ornamental pond and water garden displays. It thrives in still or gently moving water with full sun exposure.
When should you plant Midnight Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Midnight Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Midnight Water Lily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Midnight Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Midnight Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-11; grown as an annual or moved indoors in colder climates
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Dormant Tuber
Variable (winter dormancy or storage period)Resting tuber with minimal visible growth; may be stored dry or in cool water.
Store in cool conditions (50-60°F) if not planted immediately. Keep tubers dry or barely moist during storage.
Sprouting
1-3 weeksSmall shoots and initial leaves emerge from the tuber; first leaves appear delicate and may be reddish.
Maintain warm water (75°F+), ensure adequate light, and begin light fertilization with aquatic plant fertilizer.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksNumerous lily pads develop and expand; plant establishes root system and foliage coverage.
Continue regular fertilization every 2-3 weeks. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
4-6 months (summer through early fall in warm climates)Dark burgundy to nearly black flower buds form and open; blooms are day-blooming (open morning to afternoon) with prominent yellow stamens.
Maintain consistent water temperature and depth. Continue fertilizing for continuous blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Senescence
Fall to winterAs water temperature drops below 60°F, flowering slows and plant begins to decline.
In cold climates, move container indoors or drain and store tubers in cool, dry conditions for winter. In warm zones, may continue growing year-round.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce predatory aquatic insects.
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings.
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Generally harmless but can damage leaves; manual removal if excessive; maintain water quality.
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and
Hand-pick or introduce aquatic snail predators; copper barriers are ineffective in water.
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Ensure excellent water quality and circulation; remove affected tissue; treat with fungicide if necessary; avoid overcrowding.
Uses
Ornamental water garden display
CulinaryNymphaea 'Midnight' serves primarily as an ornamental focal point in water gardens, ponds, and container water features. Its dark, striking blooms create dramatic visual interest in landscape designs. [source]
Water garden focal plant
HouseholdPerfect for decorative pond and container water gardening; used in public botanical gardens, water features, and residential landscape design. Provides shade and shelter for aquatic wildlife. [source]
Aquatic ecosystem support
WildlifeLily pads provide shade, shelter, and breeding habitat for fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. Flowers attract bees and other pollinators to water features. [source]
Floral arrangements and photography
CraftThe stunning dark blooms are popular in high-end floral design, pond photography, and botanical illustration. Fresh flowers last 2-3 days in arrangements. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalWater lilies have been used in traditional medicine systems across cultures; Nymphaea species contain compounds studied for potential health properties. Consult herbalists before use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Water lilies are ornamental flowers meant for display rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms by cutting stems underwater to encourage continuous flowering. If collecting seeds (for breeding purposes), allow seed pods to mature underwater, then harvest when mature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nymphaea 'Midnight' is one of the darkest water lily cultivars available, with petals so deep in color they appear almost black in certain light conditions.
- 🌱 Water lilies are named after the water nymphs of Greek mythology, reflecting their ethereal beauty and aquatic habitat.
- 🌱 The flowers of tropical water lilies like 'Midnight' are day-blooming and open only during daylight hours, typically closing by late afternoon.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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