How to Grow Water Lily 'Attraction'
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Water Lily 'Attraction'
Nymphaea 'Attraction'
flowerNymphaea 'Attraction' is a hardy water lily cultivar prized for its striking deep red flowers that deepen in color as they age. It produces large, rounded leaves that float on the water surface and blooms prolifically throughout the growing season. This variety is ideal for water gardens, ponds, and water features where it adds dramatic color and natural beauty.
When should you plant Water Lily 'Attraction' in your zone?
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Example Water Lily 'Attraction' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Water Lily 'Attraction'
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 Water Lily 'Attraction' blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Water Lily 'Attraction' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3b-9b; hardy to extremely cold temperatures
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Dormancy/Planting
1-2 weeksRhizome is dormant or just beginning to sprout; new eyes (growth buds) are visible on the tuber.
Plant in early spring after last frost when water temperature reaches 60°F. Ensure rhizome is oriented horizontally with growing end upward. Keep basket submerged immediately.
Leaf Development
3-4 weeksYoung leaves emerge and unfurl on the water surface; initial growth is rapid. Leaves start as small, unfurled circles and expand to full size.
Ensure water depth and sun exposure are optimal. Apply aquatic plant fertilizer tablet monthly. Monitor for algae competing with new growth.
Budding & Flowering
8-12 weeks (continuous if conditions are optimal)Flower buds emerge from the water surface, typically in the morning. Blooms open for 3-4 days each, displaying deep red coloring that intensifies with age.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Continue monthly fertilization. Buds may not appear until adequate leaf mass develops (4-8 weeks after planting).
Peak Bloom & Vegetative Spread
4-8 weeksPlant reaches mature size with abundant floating leaves and prolific flower production. Multiple blooms may appear simultaneously.
Thin overcrowded leaves if necessary to prevent excessive shading. Continue regular fertilization. Monitor water quality and algae levels.
Senescence & Winter Dormancy
4-12 weeks (depending on zone)In fall (zones 3-7), leaf growth slows, leaves yellow and die back. Rhizome withdraws nutrients and enters dormancy.
In harsh-winter zones, allow plant to die back naturally as water cools. Rhizome will remain dormant at pond bottom if water doesn't freeze solid. In very cold climates, remove basket and store rhizome in cool, damp conditions. In zones 8-9, growth may slow but plant often remains semi-evergreen.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves and discard. Introduce aquatic insects like dragonflies. In severe cases, use spinosad or neem oil formulated for water gardens, or physically remove beetles by hand.
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Spray leaves with forceful water to dislodge. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil safe for aquatic environments. Avoid systemic pesticides that harm fish.
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Remove heavily tunneled leaves. Plant vigor usually allows recovery. Ensure good water circulation and light penetration.
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Most snails cause minimal damage; remove by hand if excessive. Introduce snail-eating fish like Plecos or koi if desired. Avoid copper-based treatments.
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Ensure proper planting depth and good water circulation. Remove heavily affected leaves immediately. Avoid overfertilizing. Maintain water quality and change water partially if algae blooms occur. In severe cases, remove plant, clean rhizome, replant in fresh soil.
Uses
Ornamental Water Feature
CulinaryWhile not edible, the striking deep red blooms create an elegant focal point in water gardens and pond landscaping, enhancing outdoor dining and entertainment spaces. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe large, vibrant red flowers with waxy petals are prized for fresh-cut floral arrangements and water-based displays, lasting 3-4 days when cut properly. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalWater lily roots and leaves have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for respiratory support and general wellness, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator & Aquatic Habitat
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees and other pollinators while floating leaves provide shelter and spawning grounds for fish and frogs, supporting a balanced pond ecosystem. [source]
Shading & Algae Control
HouseholdThe large floating leaves naturally shade the pond surface, reducing water temperature, inhibiting algae growth, and improving water quality while creating a lush, natural appearance. [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, not harvested for consumption. Cut blooms for fresh arrangements in the morning when they open; they will close at night and reopen for 3-4 days. Cut stems about 6-12 inches below the bloom. For landscape enjoyment, simply deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Allow some flowers to mature if you wish to collect seeds for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nymphaea 'Attraction' flowers open in the morning and close at dusk, with blooms lasting 3-4 days before sinking and being replaced by new buds—a phenomenon known as water lily's daily 'awakening and sleeping' cycle.
- 🌱 The cultivar 'Attraction' was bred to be extremely hardy and cold-tolerant, able to survive winter dormancy in zones as cold as 3b when the rhizome remains submerged below the ice line, making it one of the most resilient water lilies for northern climates.
- 🌱 Water lilies have specialized floating leaves with a unique leaf structure (hydrophytic adaptation) featuring a waxy cuticle and aerenchyma tissue that keeps them buoyant and dry, while flowers can only be pollinated by visiting insects during the brief hours they remain open.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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