How to Grow Ellisiana Water Lily
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Ellisiana Water Lily
Nymphaea × ellisiana
flowerEllisiana is a hybrid water lily known for its deep red or crimson flowers with prominent golden-yellow stamens. This tropical water lily produces floating leaves and blooms that open during the day, thriving in warm water conditions. It is a popular choice for ornamental ponds and water gardens due to its vibrant color and reliable blooming habit.
When should you plant Ellisiana Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Ellisiana Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ellisiana 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 Ellisiana Water Lily blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ellisiana Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; tropical climates or heated water gardens in cooler zones
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Dormancy & Planting
1-2 weeksRhizome is dormant or just beginning to sprout. No visible foliage above water yet.
Plant in spring in warm water (minimum 70°F). Use 12-18 inch diameter pots with heavy soil. Ensure water temperature will remain consistently warm.
Leafing Out
2-4 weeksFirst juvenile leaves emerge and unfold on the water surface. Leaves are small and may be variegated or spotted initially.
Maintain consistent warm water temperature. Ensure adequate sunlight. Do not fertilize heavily yet; light feeding only.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksMature floating leaves fully develop with characteristic deep green color. Plant increases in size with multiple leaves emerging regularly.
Begin balanced fertilization (aquatic plant fertilizer). Thin out excess leaves to prevent overcrowding and allow sunlight penetration. Water should remain 75-85°F.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (throughout warm season)Deep crimson to red flower buds form and rise to the water surface. Blooms open during morning hours and close by afternoon or evening.
Maintain consistent deep red water color by continuing fertilization. Flowers appear in succession over the growing season. Remove spent blooms to encourage additional flowering.
Peak Production & Decline
4-8 weeksPlant reaches maximum flowering with multiple blooms over several weeks. As water cools in fall, flowering slows and plant prepares for dormancy.
Continue maintenance but reduce fertilization as water temperatures drop below 75°F. Prepare to move plant indoors or drain pond if in cooler climates. Remove dead foliage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray undersides of leaves with organic insecticidal soap; remove severely infested leaves; introduce natural predators like dragonflies
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Reduce plant crowding for air circulation; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove damaged foliage
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Ensure proper water circulation and avoid stagnant water; remove infected tissue; use fungicide if needed; maintain warm, clean water
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Spray leaves with strong water jet or insecticidal soap; beneficial insects like ladybugs help; submerge leaves temporarily to drown aphids
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryThe petals can be used as an elegant garnish for salads and desserts, providing visual appeal with a delicate, subtle flavor. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftDeep crimson blooms make striking additions to floral arrangements and water garden displays, lasting several days when properly conditioned. [source]
Ornamental water garden focal point
HouseholdThe vibrant red flowers serve as the centerpiece of tropical and warm-water garden designs, adding color and elegance to outdoor spaces. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, water lily flowers and rhizomes have been used to support relaxation and sleep, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator and aquatic habitat support
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while floating leaves provide shelter for aquatic insects and small fish. [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; harvest by cutting flower stems just below the bloom with a sharp knife for floral arrangements. Cut early in the morning when blooms first open. Flowers last 3-4 days in a vase with fresh water. Remove spent flowers from the pond to encourage continued blooming and prevent rot.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ellisiana is a hybrid cultivar developed by horticulturists and is not found in nature; it combines traits from multiple water lily species to achieve its distinctive deep red coloring.
- 🌱 Water lilies can only be fertilized in the water they grow in because their roots absorb nutrients directly from the water column, unlike terrestrial plants.
- 🌱 The flowers of Ellisiana water lily are thermogenic, meaning they generate heat to attract pollinators and help pollen develop properly.
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