How to Grow Perry's Orange Red Water Lily
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Perry's Orange Red Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Perry's Orange Red'
flowerPerry's Orange Red is a hybrid water lily cultivar prized for its vibrant orange-red flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. This aquatic plant features attractive dark green leaves and produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers that open during the day. It is a tropical or tender water lily best suited for warm climates or container gardening in cooler regions.
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Example Perry's Orange Red Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Perry's Orange Red 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 Orange Red Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Perry's Orange Red Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-11 outdoors; can be grown in zones 3-9 as an annual or in containers brought indoors during winter
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Tuber/Dormancy
1-3 months (winter dormancy)Water lily starts as a dormant tuber with visible growth buds and small root structures
Store tubers in cool, moist conditions until water temperatures reach 65°F or higher. Inspect for rot and disease before planting.
Early Growth
2-4 weeksNew leaves emerge from the tuber and float or rise toward the water surface; first submerged leaves appear
Plant in warm water (75°F+). Ensure adequate sunlight. Begin fertilizing with aquatic plant tablets. Monitor water depth as plant grows.
Vegetative Development
3-6 weeksMature floating leaves expand on the water surface; plant creates a dense pad of foliage with multiple growth points
Maintain consistent water depth and temperature. Continue regular fertilization every 3-4 weeks. Thin out excess leaves to prevent overcrowding.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (mid-summer through fall)Flower buds emerge on the water surface and open into fragrant, star-shaped orange-red blooms; typically opens in morning and closes by evening
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain optimal water temperature (75-85°F). Continue fertilizing throughout blooming season.
Dormancy/Winter Preparation
Variable (2-6 months depending on climate)In cooler climates, leaves yellow and wither as temperatures drop; plant prepares to go dormant
In zones 3-8, move containers indoors or to frost-free areas before first freeze. In warm climates, plant may remain semi-active. Remove dead foliage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use neem oil spray or hand-pick beetles; maintain good water circulation to discourage population
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Spray foliage with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap safe for aquatic environments; introduce beneficial insects
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Increase humidity; spray affected leaves with water; use sulfur-based fungicide if severe; ensure adequate light and air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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and
Maintain proper water quality and temperature; use fungicide for aquatic plants if needed; ensure good water circulation and avoid standing water stagnation
Uses
Ornamental garden flowers
CulinaryPerry's Orange Red water lilies are prized for their stunning fragrant blooms used in floral arrangements, water feature displays, and as fresh cut flowers. The vibrant orange-red color adds tropical beauty to any garden setting. [source]
Water garden focal point
HouseholdThese water lilies serve as the centerpiece of ponds, water gardens, and container water features, creating a serene aquatic landscape. They add visual interest and create a sophisticated garden aesthetic. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeWater lily flowers attract bees, butterflies, and aquatic pollinators to garden ponds, supporting local pollinator populations. The open blooms provide a landing platform for beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalWater lilies have been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries to support relaxation and calm. Historical use includes preparations for stress relief and sleep support. [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 plants grown for flowers rather than harvest. Flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements by cutting stems at dawn when flowers have just opened. Cut stems approximately 12 inches below the water surface. Flowers typically last 3-4 days in a vase. Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continued blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Perry's Orange Red water lilies are named after James Perry, a renowned water lily breeder who developed this hybrid cultivar; his breeding work significantly expanded the color range available in ornamental water lilies.
- 🌱 Water lily flowers demonstrate a fascinating behavior called 'nyctinasty'—they open in the morning when the sun rises and close in the evening, following a daily rhythm that helps protect their pollen from nighttime moisture.
- 🌱 Unlike hardy water lilies, tropical water lilies like Perry's Orange Red are tender perennials that require warm water year-round, making them ideal for tropical climates or for seasonal gardeners who treat them as annuals in cooler regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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