Pink Water Lily Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea' (H)

Water

The Pink Hardy Water Lily should be planted in a submerged pot at a depth of about 12 to 18 inches in water, ensuring the crown of the plant is just above the surface. This species thrives in standing water, so it is typically 'watered' by maintaining the appropriate water level in the pond or aquatic garden. It is essential to regularly check the water level, especially during the warm months, and add water as needed to compensate for evaporation. It’s not about how many gallons to add over time, but to keep the water level consistent. During the winter, the plant will go dormant, and water levels should be managed to prevent the rhizomes from freezing.

Light

Pink Hardy Water Lilies perform best in full sunlight. They should be placed in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal location is an area of a pond or water garden that is exposed to sunlight most of the day, without too much shade from trees or structures.

Temperature

For Pink Hardy Water Lilies, the ideal temperature range is between 70°F and 85°F. They can tolerate temperature fluctuations as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F. However, temperatures outside this range could inhibit blooming or potentially harm the plant. It's crucial to ensure the pond does not freeze completely in winter, as this could be detrimental to the plant.

Pruning

Pink Hardy Water Lilies should be pruned to remove yellowing or dead leaves and spent blooms, which encourages new growth and helps to keep the pond clean. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for a major trim is early spring before the growing season starts or in autumn when the plant begins to go dormant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the plant, commonly known as Pink Waterlily, is heavy loam soil which is rich in clay. It is critical for the soil to be free of any pesticides or contaminants. An ideal pH level for this waterlily would be in the range of 6.5 to 7.5, ensuring a slightly acidic to neutral growing medium.

Repotting

Pink Waterlilies should be repotted every one to two years to prevent crowding and promote healthy growth. Early spring, before the growing season begins, is the best time to repot these aquatic plants.

Humidity & Misting

Pink Waterlily thrives in outdoor ponds where the humidity is naturally high due to the surrounding water. It does not have specific humidity requirements apart from the need to be grown in water.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Cannot grow indoors; needs a pond or container.

• Outdoor

  Place in sunny pond, 40-90 cm water depth.

• Hardiness zone

  4-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea', commonly known as Pink Water Lily, starts its life cycle when seeds germinate in the mud of still freshwater bodies. The young plant grows a rhizome, which anchors it into the sediment while sending up shoots towards the water surface. Leaves, or lily pads, emerge on the surface, providing photosynthetic capability and gas exchange, essential for growth and development. Throughout the spring and summer, the Pink Water Lily blooms, producing delicate pink flowers that rise above the water surface, attracting pollinators such as bees and beetles. After pollination, the flowers sink below the water, where the seeds develop in a spongy berry-like fruit. Once mature, the seeds are released into the water, sink into the mud, and the cycle begins anew with ideal conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• Nymphaea 'Marliacea Carnea', commonly known as the Water Lily, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method involves carefully lifting the plant from the pond and rinsing off the soil to reveal the rhizome. Using a sharp knife, the grower cuts sections of the rhizome ensuring each piece has at least one eye, or bud, from which new growth can emerge. The cut sections are then planted in containers filled with a heavy loam soil, submerged to a depth of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) under water, which is the optimal depth for the lilies to grow. Over time, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant, which can be transferred to a larger area of the pond or water garden where it has space to spread.