How to Grow Red Pygmy Water Lily
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Red Pygmy Water Lily
Nymphaea pygmaea 'Rubra'
flowerRed Pygmy Water Lily is a miniature aquatic plant prized for container water gardens and small ponds. It produces deep red flowers with golden stamens that bloom throughout warm months, with attractive dark green to bronze foliage that floats just below the water surface. This compact cultivar is one of the smallest hardy water lilies available.
When should you plant Red Pygmy Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Red Pygmy Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Pygmy 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 Pygmy Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Pygmy Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10; hardy through zone 3 if crowns are protected under ice
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Dormancy/Planting
1-2 weeksRhizome lies dormant or newly planted in aquatic soil; no visible growth above water yet
Plant in spring once water temperature consistently reaches 50°F; ensure good soil contact with rhizome
Early Growth
2-3 weeksFirst leaves emerge and gradually unfurl on the water surface; leaves are small and may have reddish tones
Maintain consistent water level; apply aquatic fertilizer tablets according to package directions; remove any dead leaves
Vegetative Development
2-3 weeksMultiple leaves are now floating, forming a dense mat; foliage shows rich bronze to deep red coloration
Continue fertilizing; thin out excess leaves if crowding reduces water circulation; monitor for pests
Flowering
4-6 months (June through September in most zones)Red flowers emerge on short stems just above water surface, opening in morning and closing by afternoon; blooms are 1-2 inches diameter
Maintain consistent water temperature and depth; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; ensure adequate light exposure
Dormancy/Decline
October through MarchFlowers cease production; foliage yellows and dies back as water cools in autumn
Remove dead foliage to prevent decay and water quality issues; in zones 3-5, sink container to deepest part of pond or indoors in cool (50-60°F) location; in zones 6+, can overwinter in place if ice doesn't damage crown
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; introduce ladybugs; apply neem oil if severe (use aquatic-safe formulations)
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Remove affected leaves promptly; physically remove adult beetles; maintain good water circulation to discourage egg-laying
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Remove affected leaves; reduce organic debris in pond; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if available in aquatic-safe form
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Introduce fish like goldfish that eat snails and their eggs; manually remove visible snails; avoid copper-based treatments
Uses
Container Water Garden Focal Point
HouseholdRed Pygmy Water Lily is ideal for small water gardens, ceramic pots, and container ponds where full-size water lilies would overwhelm the space. A single plant in a 2-3 foot diameter container creates an elegant water feature perfect for patios, decks, and balconies. [source]
Pollinator and Aquatic Insect Support
WildlifeThe flowers provide nectar and pollen for aquatic insects, bees, and other pollinators. The floating foliage offers shelter and spawning habitat for aquatic life and insects. [source]
Floral Arrangements and Photography
CraftThe deep red blooms are striking in floral arrangements, pond photography, and water garden documentation. The contrasting red flowers against dark foliage create dramatic visual interest. [source]
Water Purification Support
HouseholdLike all water lilies, the foliage helps reduce algae growth by providing shade and competing for excess nutrients in pond water. This contributes to clearer, healthier water conditions. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalWater lily roots and flowers have been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asian herbalism, for their purported cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. [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 not harvested for food but rather enjoyed in bloom. Cut flowers last 3-4 days in a vase if cut in early morning when just opening. For seed collection (if applicable), allow some flowers to develop seed pods, then collect when fully mature and allow seeds to dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Pygmy Water Lily is one of the smallest water lily cultivars, making it perfect for anyone without a large pond—some varieties are miniaturized enough for indoor aquariums with proper lighting.
- 🌱 Water lilies have flowers that display 'circadian rhythms,' opening in the morning and closing by afternoon or evening, with some species closing and sinking underwater at night.
- 🌱 The scientific name 'pygmaea' refers to the Pygmy people of Africa, as early botanists named small plants after small peoples—a naming convention that would not be used today.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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