Purple Water Lily Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea', commonly known as Water Lily, is a striking aquatic plant that features showy flowers and lush foliage. The flowers of this water lily are its most captivating trait, emerging on the water's surface with a deep, rich purple hue that can appear almost black in certain lights. Each bloom has multiple layers of petals that radiate outwards, creating a classic water lily shape with an opulent and velvety texture. As the flowers open up from their buds, they display their prominent golden-yellow centers, contrasting sharply with the purple petals and adding to the plant's attractiveness. The leaves of the Water Lily float gracefully on the surface of the water and are nearly as remarkable as the flowers. They have a rounded shape, often with a notch at one side. The foliage is a vibrant green, sometimes with hints of purple or maroon, especially on the undersides or along the veins. The glossy leaves can appear somewhat mottled with different shades, giving them a variegated look. They spread out over the water, creating a canopy that provides shade below and habitat for aquatic life. As an aquatic plant, Water Lily thrives in still or slow-moving water, with its root system anchored in the soil below and its leaves and flowers floating on the surface. It adds a touch of exotic elegance to ponds, water gardens, or any water feature, bringing with it a deep, mysterious beauty that is hard to miss. The combination of the captivating blooms and lily pads makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to create a serene and picturesque aquatic setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae.
Synonyms
Purple Water Lily, Purple Nymphaea, Red Water Lily, Crimson Water Lily.
Common names
Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea'
ToxicityTo humans
The Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea', also known as Purple Water Lily, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or produce harmful effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, or other idiosyncratic responses could occur if ingested.
To pets
For pets, the Purple Water Lily is also not known to be toxic. It is generally safe for pets, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this aquatic plant. Therefore, consumption of the Purple Water Lily is unlikely to lead to symptoms of toxicity or severe consequences in pets. However, pet owners should always monitor their animals for any signs of distress after ingestion of plant material, as individual reactions could vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Water Feature Aesthetic - The Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea', commonly known as Water Lily, adds a serene and picturesque beauty to ponds and water gardens with its deep purplish-red blooms.
- Wildlife Attraction - Water Lilies provide a habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures, offering shelter and breeding grounds.
- Ecosystem Balance - By providing shade, Water Lilies help to maintain the water temperature and reduce algae growth, contributing to a balanced and healthy aquatic ecosystem.
- Garden Diversity - Incorporating Water Lilies into a garden adds diversity to plant life, promoting a varied ecosystem.
- Sense of Tranquility - The presence of Water Lilies in a water feature can create a calming effect, enhancing the peacefulness of garden spaces.
- Recreational Fishing Enhancement - Water Lilies can improve the environment for recreational fishing by offering cover for fish species sought by anglers.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory properties: Water lily parts, like those of Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea' (Water Lily), have been traditionally used to help reduce inflammation.
- Anxiolytic effects: Some species of water lilies are used in herbal medicine for their potential to relieve anxiety.
- Antioxidant constituents: Water lilies may contain compounds with antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Sedative: Traditionally, parts of the water lilies have been used for their sedative properties to promote relaxation and aid sleep.
- Antispasmodic: Extracts from water lily plants have been used to relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fabric dye: The deep red and purple hues of the Water Lily can be used to naturally dye fabrics for unique and eco-friendly clothing items.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of the Water Lily makes it a popular subject for photographers, both amateur and professional, seeking to capture its natural beauty.
- Fish hiding spots: In ponds, the broad leaves of Water Lilies provide hiding spots for fish, helping to protect them from predators and sunlight.
- Culinary decoration: While not commonly consumed, Water Lily petals can be used to decorate desserts and high-end culinary dishes for a touch of elegance.
- Water feature enhancement: Water Lilies are often incorporated into water gardens and features to augment the visual appeal and create a serene environment.
- Jewelry inspiration: The unique shape and color of the Water Lily provide design inspiration for jewelry, especially in the crafting of floral-themed pieces.
- Floral arrangements: Water Lilies can be utilized in floristry for stunning water-based arrangements and floating centerpieces.
- Biological teaching tool: In educational settings, Water Lilies can be used to demonstrate aquatic plant life cycles and adaptations to students.
- Candle making: The aesthetic of the Water Lily is frequently emulated in the design of decorative candles and holders.
- Weddings and events: Water Lilies are often featured in ponds at event venues, providing a romantic backdrop for weddings and other celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Water Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Water Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tranquility: Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea' is a form of water lily, and water lilies are often associated with peace and calmness, as they float serenely on the surface of water bodies.
- Purity: The water lily symbolizes purity due to its ability to rise above the murky water and bloom into a beautiful flower, despite its roots being in muddy waters.
- Enlightenment: In various cultures, notably in Eastern traditions, the water lily is symbolically tied to enlightenment and spiritual awakening, relating to its growth towards the light.
- Beauty: This plant, with its stunning deep reddish-purple flowers, embodies beauty and is frequently used to depict grace and elegance.
- Rebirth: Since water lilies often close at night and reopen with the morning sun, they are symbolic of rebirth and the idea of life beginning anew every day.
WaterThe Hardy Water Lily, commonly known as Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea', thrives in water and does not require traditional watering. Instead, it should be planted in water at a depth that allows for at least a couple of inches of water over the crown of the plant. Room for growth is essential, so make sure the water level can rise to 12 inches or more above the crown as the plant matures. They do not need watering in the traditional sense as they draw all the moisture they need from their aquatic environment. The main consideration is to maintain the water level in the pond or aquatic container to accommodate evaporation or splashing. It’s important to add water to the feature as needed, which could be a few gallons every week or so, depending on weather conditions and size of the water feature.
LightFor the best growth, Hardy Water Lily needs full sunlight, which means at least six hours of direct, unfiltered daylight each day. An ideal spot for the plant is in a pond or water feature that receives this abundant sunlight, making sure there are no tall plants or structures casting shade on the water surface. Partial shade is tolerated, but may result in fewer blooms.
TemperatureHardy Water Lily is a resilient plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as the freezing point but prefers warmer conditions for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 70°F and 85°F. While the plant can survive minor fluctuations above and below this range, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of it can be detrimental to the health of the plant.
PruningPrune Hardy Water Lily to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Dead or decaying foliage should be removed to prevent it from rotting in the water, which could lead to poor water quality and plant health. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. It’s best to prune in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing, and again if necessary, in the fall before the plant goes dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Purple Water Lily includes heavy loam and clay soil; it should not contain peat or bark. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ideally between 6.5 and 7.2.
RepottingPurple Water Lilies should ideally be repotted every one to two years to replenish soil nutrients and provide space for growth.
Humidity & MistingPurple Water Lilies thrive in high humidity conditions as they naturally grow in still or slow-moving water, which provides a naturally humid environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use large containers, warm temperatures, and full sun to partially shaded areas.
Outdoor
Plant in still water, full sun to part shade, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea' (H), commonly known as Hardy Water Lily, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the warm, still waters of ponds or the edges of lakes. The seed develops into a small tuber that anchors itself into the muddy substrate underwater. From the tuber, leaves known as lily pads emerge and float on the surface to photosynthesize, while the roots remain embedded in the sediment for nutrients. After establishing a mature root system, the plant produces distinctive flowers that float or stand above the water surface; these flowers are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of seeds. The Hardy Water Lily is perennial, retreating into its tuber during the winter and regenerating the following season. After several years, once the plant is mature, it can be propagated through division of the tuber to create new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating a Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea') is through the division of rhizomes. This is typically done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Gardeners should carefully remove the plant from the water and wash off the soil to reveal the rhizome, which looks somewhat like a thick root or tuber. Healthy sections of the rhizome, preferably with a growing point or "eye," are then cut using a sharp, clean knife. Each division should be at least 3 to 4 inches long (7.6 to 10.2 cm). It's essential to plant these divisions immediately in suitable aquatic planting medium and place them in calm, shallow water, ensuring the growing point remains above the surface level. Over the following weeks, the divisions will establish themselves and start to produce new growth.
