How to Grow Red Attraction Water Lily
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Red Attraction Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Red Attraction'
flowerRed Attraction is a hardy water lily cultivar prized for its vibrant deep red flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. This aquatic perennial thrives in still water environments like ponds and water gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and wildlife habitat benefits. It's a mid-sized variety suitable for medium to large water features.
When should you plant Red Attraction Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Red Attraction Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Attraction 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 Red Attraction Water Lily blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Attraction Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Hardy in zones 3b-9b; performs best in zones 4-8 with moderate water temperatures
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Get my Red Attraction Water Lily timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant develops initial root system and leaf pads emerge from soil. First leaves appear small and may float initially.
Ensure proper planting depth; maintain consistent water level; keep water warm; limit fertilization until vigorous growth appears
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksExpanding lily pads develop from the crown and float on the water surface; plant becomes bushier with multiple growth points. Leaves are dark green with distinctive serrated edges.
Monitor water depth and clarity; apply aquatic fertilizer tablets monthly; remove any yellowing leaves; thin pads if overcrowding occurs
Pre-flowering
1-2 weeksFlower buds begin forming beneath the water surface, appearing as small bulbous growths at the base of petioles. Pads continue expanding.
Increase fertilization frequency; ensure adequate sunlight; maintain water temperature above 60°F; avoid disturbing buds
Flowering
12-16 weeks (June-September in northern zones)Deep red flowers emerge and open on the water surface, typically with 8-12 petals. Blooms last 3-4 days each, opening in morning and closing by afternoon.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain consistent water level; continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks; watch for pests on flower buds
Dormancy Preparation
4-6 weeksAs water temperature drops below 60°F in fall, blooming slows and leaf production decreases. Foliage may turn bronze or brownish.
Reduce fertilization in fall; remove dead leaves to prevent water quality degradation; move tender varieties to deeper water for winter protection; allow hardy tubers to overwinter in mud
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use neem oil spray on exposed portions; introduce natural predators; maintain water circulation to discourage egg-laying
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Remove infested leaves promptly; manually pick larvae; maintain healthy water conditions; use fine mesh netting over ponds in late summer
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap safe for aquatic environments; avoid harsh chemicals that harm aquatic life
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and
Generally beneficial; tolerate minor leaf damage; only control if populations explode; maintain diverse aquatic ecosystem
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Monitor population; remove large invasive snails manually; some snails (ramshorn) are beneficial for algae control; maintain balance
Uses
Edible Petals & Seeds
CulinaryThe petals of Nymphaea 'Red Attraction' can be used as ornamental garnish for salads and desserts, adding a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Water lily seeds are edible and nutrient-rich when properly processed. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalWater lilies have been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for their cooling and calming properties. The rhizomes and flowers contain compounds studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. [source]
Pond Water Quality & Ecosystem
HouseholdWater lilies provide essential shade that reduces algae growth and water temperature fluctuations, creating a balanced ecosystem. Leaf pads offer shelter for fish, frogs, and beneficial aquatic insects. [source]
Floral Art & Garden Design
CraftThe striking deep red blooms make stunning cut flowers for ikebana arrangements and water bowl centerpieces. Used in ornamental garden design for pond and water feature focal points. [source]
Pollinator & Aquatic Habitat Support
WildlifeFlowers attract bees, beetles, and other pollinators to water gardens. Dense leaf pads provide breeding habitat for frogs, dragonflies, and aquatic birds. [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; deadhead spent blooms by cutting below the flower head to encourage continuous flowering. Harvest flowers in early morning for floral arrangements (they'll close by afternoon). Allow some flowers to remain on the plant to set seed if desired for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Attraction water lilies close each afternoon and reopen the next morning, a process called nyctinasty, allowing them to regulate temperature and protect reproductive parts.
- 🌱 The scientific name Nymphaea derives from the Greek mythology of water nymphs, reflecting the flower's association with freshwater and aquatic mystique across cultures.
- 🌱 Water lily leaf pads can support weights of up to 70 pounds when properly mature, due to their reinforced structure with multiple layers of waxy cuticle and aerenchyma tissue that provides buoyancy.
Gardening Terms
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