How to Grow Laydekeri Fulgens Water Lily
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Laydekeri Fulgens Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Fulgens'
flowerLaydekeri Fulgens is a hybrid water lily cultivar prized for its vibrant red flowers and compact growth habit, making it ideal for small to medium water gardens and containers. This deciduous variety produces beautiful star-shaped blooms that float on the water surface and features deep green, slightly spotted leaves. It is a reliable, easy-to-grow cultivar that blooms prolifically throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Laydekeri Fulgens Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Laydekeri Fulgens Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Laydekeri Fulgens 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 Laydekeri Fulgens Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3b-10a; very cold-hardy for a red water lily
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Dormancy/Dormant Rhizome
Winter months (3-4 months)Plant exists as a compact rhizome before being planted in spring; no visible growth above water
Store dormant rhizomes in cool, moist conditions over winter; plant in spring after water temperature reaches 50-60°F
Early Growth/Shoot Development
2-3 weeks after plantingFirst leaves emerge and begin to unfurl; shoots reach toward the water surface
Ensure water temperature is warming (60-70°F); begin weekly fertilizer applications; maintain clear water for light penetration
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksMultiple leaves develop and float on the surface; plant establishes a strong root system; no blooms yet
Continue regular fertilizer feeding; remove any decaying leaves; thin dense foliage to prevent overcrowding; ensure good water circulation
Flowering
8-12 weeks (continuous throughout season)Vibrant red star-shaped flowers (3-4 inches across) emerge and float on the water surface; blooms open in morning and close by afternoon
Maintain consistent water level and temperature (70-80°F optimal); continue weekly fertilizer applications; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; water should be clear and calm
Late Season/Dormancy Preparation
4-8 weeks in fallBlooming slows as water temperature drops; leaves may show decline; plant begins entering dormancy
Reduce fertilizer applications as water cools below 60°F; stop feeding when temperature drops to 50°F; prepare to cut back foliage and move to deep water for winter in cold zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray leaves with strong water jet to dislodge; introduce aquatic ladybugs; apply insecticidal soap designed for water plants
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Remove by hand; use netting to prevent egg-laying; improve water circulation to discourage settlement
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Remove affected leaves; increase water oxygenation; introduce insectivorous fish or beneficial aquatic insects
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and
Ensure excellent water quality and circulation; remove decaying foliage immediately; avoid overcrowding; use fungicide formulated for water plants if severe
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Remove manually; introduce snail-eating fish (Japanese trapdoor snails); maintain balanced ecosystem
Uses
Ornamental Culinary Water Gardens
CulinaryWhile not typically eaten, water lilies are used as decorative elements in water gardens that may also contain edible aquatic plants. The blooms add aesthetic beauty to culinary garden settings. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements & Floral Displays
HouseholdThe vivid red blooms make excellent cut flowers for fresh water arrangements, floating bowls, and special occasion decorations. Flowers last 3-4 days in fresh water when harvested in the morning. [source]
Pollinator & Aquatic Habitat
WildlifeWater lilies provide essential habitat and pollen sources for aquatic insects, dragonflies, damselflies, and bees. The floating leaves create shelter for fish and aquatic creatures. [source]
Water Garden Design & Landscape Architecture
CraftLaydekeri Fulgens is a cornerstone plant for designing formal and informal water gardens, container ponds, and small-space water features. Its compact size makes it perfect for decorative pond landscaping. [source]
Traditional Aquatic Plant Medicine
MedicinalWater lilies have been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for their cooling and calming properties. However, Laydekeri Fulgens specifically is primarily ornamental; consult herbalists for medicinal water lily species. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested for consumption. For ornamental purposes, cut flower stems early in the morning when blooms are fully open; flowers will last 3-4 days in a vase of fresh water. Deadhead spent flowers (let them sink naturally or remove by hand) to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Laydekeri Fulgens is one of the hardiest red water lily cultivars and can survive winters in zone 3b with proper protection, making it one of the few red lilies suitable for cold-climate gardeners.
- 🌱 Water lily flowers open in the morning (usually 7-9 AM) and close again in the afternoon (around 3-4 PM), with some varieties closing earlier on cloudy days. The blooms typically last 3-4 days before sinking.
- 🌱 The 'Laydekeri' group of water lilies was developed in the late 1800s by French hybridizer Latour-Marliac and remains among the most popular cultivars worldwide due to their reliability and compact growth habit.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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