Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily Planting Instructions

Because Deep Purple is a hardy × tropical cross, it should be planted later than many traditional hardy water lilies. Do not rush this plant into cold spring water.

When to Plant

Plant Deep Purple only after your pond water has warmed. The best time is usually late spring into early summer, when the water is consistently warm and the plant can grow actively.

For best success, wait until the water near the root zone is about 70°F. If planted too early in cold water, hardy × tropical crosses may stall, drop leaves, or return to dormancy.

Container

Use a wide, shallow aquatic planting container or an earth bottom natural pond around 14 to 18 inches deep along the edge with growing tips exposed to light in the front of the rhizome. .

Recommended size:
15 to 20 inches wide or larger

A wide container gives the rhizome room to grow and helps support stronger blooming. Small pots can limit growth and reduce flower production.

Soil

Use heavy loam topsoil or clay-loam garden soil.

Do not use:

Potting soil
Compost
Peat moss
Lightweight bagged planting mixes
Floating aquatic media
Gravel packed over the crown

Water lilies grow best in heavy soil that stays in place and holds fertilizer near the roots.

Planting Depth

Plant with the soil surface about 5 to 15 inches below the water surface.

For best blooming, start shallow. A good target is 8 to 12 inches from the top of the soil to the water surface. Shallow planting helps warm the crown faster and encourages more flowers.

Once the plant is established, it may be moved slightly deeper if needed, especially in colder climates for winter protection.

Sunlight

Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily needs full sun.

Give it at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, with strong midday sun preferred. More sun usually means more flowers.

Avoid placing floating plants, tall marginals, or other water lilies where they shade Deep Purple. Lily pads are basically solar panels with better fashion sense.

Fertilizing Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily

Water lilies are heavy feeders. Deep Purple will bloom best when fertilized on a regular schedule during the growing season.

Fertilizer Schedule

Use aquatic water lily fertilizer tablets during active growth.

Recommended schedule:
Apply 4 to 6 fertilizer tablets on the 1st and 15th of each month from May through September.

Push the tablets 3 to 4 inches deep into the soil, around the plant crown, but not directly on top of the crown.

Regular feeding helps produce:

Larger flowers
More frequent blooms
Stronger pads
Better root growth
A healthier plant going into winter

Deep Purple Water Lily Care Tips

Do This

Plant in warm water, not cold spring water.
Use a wide, shallow container.
Plant in heavy loam soil.
Give the plant full sun.
Fertilize twice monthly during the growing season.
Remove yellow leaves and spent flowers.
Divide every 1 to 2 years if blooming slows.
Keep floating plants from shading the lily pads.

Do Not Do This

Do not plant Deep Purple too early in cold water.
Do not use potting soil or compost.
Do not cover the crown with gravel.
Do not plant too deep if you want frequent blooms.
Do not let the plant dry out after arrival.
Do not place it under fountains or heavy splashing water.
Do not overcrowd it with other water lilies.

Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily Specifications

Feature	Details
Plant Name	Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily
Botanical Type	Nymphaea hybrid
Water Lily Type	Hardy × Tropical / ISG-style water lily
Flower Color	Deep purple with golden center
Fragrance	Somewhat fragrant
Pad Color	Dark green to dark olive
Plant Size	Medium to large
Best Pond Size	Medium to large ponds
Sunlight	Full sun, 6+ hours daily
Planting Depth	5 to 15 inches from soil surface to water surface
Best Starting Depth	8 to 12 inches
Soil	Heavy loam topsoil
Container	15 to 20 inches wide or larger
Fertilizer	Aquatic water lily tablets twice monthly
Bloom Season	Warm season, usually summer into early fall
Hybridizer / Developer	Florida Aquatic Nurseries
Release	Newly available for the 2026 season
Special Note	Plant later in spring when water is warm

Shipping and Seasonal Note

Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily is a warm-season hardy × tropical cross. It should not be shipped or planted too early in cold spring conditions.

Orders containing Deep Purple may ship later than standard hardy water lilies because this plant needs warm weather and active growth before it can travel safely. This is normal for this type of water lily.

If you are ordering early spring pond plants and also want Deep Purple, placing separate orders may help your earlier plants ship sooner. If all plants are placed in one order, the order may wait until Deep Purple is ready.

Good plants are worth the wait. Impatient gardeners know this already, though we do reserve the right to stare dramatically at the pond until the first flower opens.

Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily is a hardy × tropical water lily developed by Florida Aquatic Nurseries and newly available for the 2026 pond season. It has deep purple flowers with golden centers, dark green to dark olive pads, and a somewhat fragrant bloom. Grow Deep Purple Water Lily in full sun, warm water, heavy loam soil, and a wide shallow aquatic container.

FAQ for Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily

Is Deep Purple Water Lily a hardy water lily?

Deep Purple is a hardy × tropical water lily cross. It is planted and grown much like other modern hardy × tropical water lilies, but it should be planted later in spring when the water is warm.

What color are Deep Purple Water Lily flowers?

Deep Purple Water Lily has deep purple flowers with a golden yellow center. The dark green to dark olive pads make the purple flowers stand out beautifully on the pond surface.

Is Deep Purple New Hardy Water Lily fragrant?

Yes, Deep Purple is somewhat fragrant. The scent is an added bonus, especially when the plant is grown in warm weather and full sun.

How much sun does Deep Purple Water Lily need?

Deep Purple Water Lily needs full sun. Give it at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best blooming.

How deep should I plant Deep Purple Water Lily?

Plant Deep Purple with the soil surface about 5 to 15 inches below the water surface. For best blooming, start shallow, around 8 to 12 inches deep.

What kind of soil should I use?

Use heavy loam topsoil or clay-loam garden soil. Do not use potting soil, compost, peat moss, or lightweight bagged mixes.

When should Deep Purple Water Lily be planted?

Plant Deep Purple after the water has warmed in late spring or early summer. For best results, wait until the water near the roots is around 70°F.

Can Deep Purple Water Lily grow in a small patio tub?

Deep Purple is medium to large in size, so it is better for medium to large ponds. It may outgrow small patio tubs unless the container is very large and the plant is divided regularly.

How often should I fertilize Deep Purple Water Lily?

Fertilize twice monthly during the growing season. Use aquatic water lily fertilizer tablets and press them deep into the soil around the crown.

Why should I not plant Deep Purple too early?

Because Deep Purple has tropical parentage, cold spring water can cause the plant to stall, drop leaves, or go back into dormancy. Warm water helps it wake up, root well, and begin blooming.

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