How to Grow Perry's Red Bicolor Water Lily
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Perry's Red Bicolor Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Perry's Red Bicolor'
flowerPerry's Red Bicolor is a stunning tropical water lily cultivar featuring deep red outer petals that gradually transition to a lighter pink or white center, creating a striking bicolor effect. This vigorous hybrid produces large, fragrant blooms that float on the water surface and can reach 6-8 inches in diameter. It is a day-blooming variety that thrives in warm water and is ideal for medium to large water garden installations.
When should you plant Perry's Red Bicolor Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Perry's Red Bicolor Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Perry's Red Bicolor 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 Perry's Red Bicolor Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Perry's Red Bicolor Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones or overwintered indoors
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Get my Perry's Red Bicolor Water Lily timeline →Growth Stages
Planting & Establishment
2-3 weeksRhizome is potted in heavy soil with the growing tip exposed; new leaves begin to emerge within 1-2 weeks
Keep water warm and still; fertilize with aquatic pellets every 2-3 weeks; ensure the growing bud is not buried
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksMultiple floating leaves emerge and expand; plant develops a strong root system and additional rhizome growth
Continue regular fertilization; maintain warm water temperature; thin overcrowded leaves to improve air circulation and light penetration
Flowering
8-12 weeks (with successive blooms)First flower buds appear and bloom into large, fragrant red-to-pink bicolor flowers that float on the water surface; blooms open in morning and close by afternoon
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain water quality and temperature; provide maximum sunlight; continue fertilizing
Peak Production
4-8 weeksPlant produces multiple blooms simultaneously; foliage is lush and dense; plant reaches mature size with established rhizome
Monitor for pests and algae; continue regular fertilization; remove excess leaves if they shade water surface excessively; ensure water circulation
Decline & Dormancy
Variable; dormancy begins when water temperature dropsIn cooler climates or as seasons change, plant may slow blooming; foliage yellows and withers in temperatures below 60°F
In zones 10-11, plant may bloom year-round; in cooler zones, lift rhizome, dry, and store indoors at 50-60°F over winter
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 insects like dragonfly larvae
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Spray affected areas with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; introduce beneficial insects
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Remove snails manually; use copper-based controls cautiously in planted ponds; introduce snail predators
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Maintain water circulation; introduce mosquito fish or dragonfly nymphs; avoid stagnant water
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Ensure excellent water quality and circulation; avoid burying the rhizome crown; remove affected tissue; treat with aquatic fungicide if severe
Uses
Ornamental & Floral Arrangements
CulinaryPerry's Red Bicolor flowers are prized by florists and gardeners for stunning fresh arrangements and water garden displays. The fragrant, long-lasting blooms make exceptional decorative elements for special events and table settings. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeThe large, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to water gardens. Floating leaves provide resting platforms for aquatic insects, frogs, and wildlife that depend on pond ecosystems. [source]
Water Garden Feature & Aquatic Landscaping
HouseholdAs a tropical day-bloomer, Perry's Red Bicolor serves as a stunning focal point in ponds, water gardens, and container water features. The striking red-to-pink bicolor pattern adds dramatic visual interest to landscape designs. [source]
Traditional Water Lily Uses
MedicinalWater lilies have been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for calming and cooling properties. While not a primary modern medicinal source, the plant reflects broader aquatic plant ethnobotany. [source]
Botanical Art & Photography
CraftThe striking bicolor blooms and elegant floating form make Perry's Red Bicolor a favorite subject for botanical artists, photographers, and garden documentarians. The flowers photograph beautifully and inspire artistic exploration. [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 lily flowers are harvested by cutting the stem as close to the base as possible using clean shears. Pick blooms in the morning when they first open; they typically close by afternoon. Cut stems should be placed in cool water immediately. For arrangements, pick flowers when just fully opened for longest vase life (2-3 days). Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Perry's Red Bicolor is a tropical hybrid cultivar developed through selective breeding for its distinctive red-to-pink color transition and is not found in nature.
- 🌱 Water lilies are among the oldest flowering plants, with fossil records dating back over 100 million years; they were sacred in ancient Egyptian and Hindu cultures.
- 🌱 This cultivar is a day-blooming variety, meaning flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon—the opposite of night-blooming tropical water lilies, which open at dusk and close in the morning.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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