How to Grow Perry's Red Water Lily
Perry's Red Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Perry's Red'
flowerPerry's Red is a stunning hybrid water lily cultivar prized for its deep red, fragrant blooms that float gracefully on the water's surface. This tropical or subtropical water lily produces large, round leaves and blooms throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for ornamental ponds and water gardens. It's a day-blooming variety that thrives in warm water conditions.
When should you plant Perry's Red Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Perry's Red Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Perry's 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 Red Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Perry's Red Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11; treat as annual or tropical plant in cooler zones
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Planting & Establishment
2-4 weeksRhizome is potted in aquatic basket; initial leaves emerge and extend toward water surface
Ensure warm water temperature (75°F+); position basket at appropriate depth; provide balanced fertilizer; keep water level stable
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksMultiple round lily pads emerge and spread across water surface; plant develops strong root system
Maintain consistent water temperature; thin overcrowded leaves if needed; apply aquatic plant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks; monitor for algae
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksFlower buds begin to form just beneath the water surface; buds swell and prepare to break the water surface
Continue regular fertilization; ensure 8+ hours of direct sunlight; maintain warm water; avoid disturbing buds
Blooming
8-12 weeks throughout summerDeep red flowers float on or just above the water surface; blooms open in morning and close at dusk; flowers emit pleasant fragrance
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering; maintain optimal water temperature and sunlight; continue fertilizing; protect from strong winds
Late Season & Dormancy
Variable by climateIn zones 9-10, blooming slows as water cools in fall; in colder regions, treat as annual and plant dies with frost
In tropical zones, maintain warm water to extend bloom season; in cooler zones, lift rhizome before water freezes and store indoors, or treat as annual
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap formulated for water plants; introduce ladybugs
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Remove affected leaves; apply aquatic-safe insecticide; maintain good water circulation
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and
Generally beneficial but can eat young leaves; remove by hand if excessive; maintain balanced ecosystem
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Ensure adequate water circulation; maintain water quality; introduce fish to consume larvae
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Remove by hand; limit numbers with barriers; introduce fish predators; avoid overfeeding fish
Uses
Ornamental Edible Flowers
CulinaryWater lily petals and stamens can be used as edible garnishes for gourmet dishes and beverages, adding visual elegance and delicate floral notes. Some cultures traditionally use water lily flowers in desserts and ceremonial drinks. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedies
MedicinalIn traditional Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, water lily has been used to support calm and relaxation, and historically in poultices for skin health. Modern herbal practices sometimes incorporate water lily for its gentle, soothing properties. [source]
Pond Oxygenation & Ecosystem Balance
HouseholdWater lilies produce oxygen during photosynthesis and their floating leaves provide shade that reduces algae growth and regulates water temperature, creating a healthier pond ecosystem. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftPerry's Red water lily blooms make striking cut flowers for floral displays and special arrangements, though they require careful handling to keep stems in water. The flowers are prized in luxury floral design and water-based centerpieces. [source]
Pollinator & Amphibian Habitat
WildlifeWater lily flowers attract bees, flies, and other pollinators, while the floating leaves provide resting spots and breeding habitat for frogs, dragonflies, and other aquatic insects that control mosquitoes. [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, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent blooms by cutting stems just below the water surface to promote continuous flowering. Collect mature seeds for propagation if desired. In late fall (zones 9-10) or before first frost (colder zones), carefully lift the rhizome, clean it, and store in moist sand or peat moss indoors at 50-60°F over winter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Perry's Red water lilies were hybridized and named after Henry Perry, a renowned Victorian-era water gardener and aquatic plant breeder, and represent decades of selective breeding for superior flower color and vigor.
- 🌱 Water lilies are among the only flowering plants that have been cultivated since ancient Egyptian times, appearing in artwork and tombs dating back 3,000+ years; ancient Egyptians associated them with rebirth and the sun god Ra.
- 🌱 Unlike most water plants, water lilies have specialized root systems that absorb nutrients directly from soil rather than the water column, which is why they require fertile planting medium in pond baskets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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