How to Grow Laydekeri Lilacina Water Lily
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Laydekeri Lilacina Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacina'
flowerA dwarf hardy water lily with delicate lilac-pink flowers and compact growth, ideal for small ponds and container water gardens. This cultivar produces star-shaped blooms that float on the water surface and attractive oval leaves with reddish undersides. It is a reliable, long-blooming variety perfect for gardeners seeking a manageable water lily for limited spaces.
When should you plant Laydekeri Lilacina Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Laydekeri Lilacina Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Laydekeri Lilacina 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 Lilacina 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 5-9; hardy and winter-tolerant in colder regions
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Get my Laydekeri Lilacina Water Lily timeline →Growth Stages
Tuber Dormancy
October-March (northern zones)The rhizome is dormant and compact, typically stored bare or in damp sand
Store at 40-50°F in winter; keep tuber slightly moist but not waterlogged. Inspect for rot or damage before spring planting.
Initial Growth
2-4 weeksNew leaves emerge from the tuber and begin unfurling; initially submerged or just breaking the water surface
Plant in spring when water temperature reaches 60°F. Ensure tuber crown sits at soil surface. Check for pest damage on emerging leaves. Apply first fertilizer tablet 2-3 weeks after planting.
Vegetative Expansion
3-6 weeksMultiple leaves float on the water surface with reddish undersides; plant fills its allocated space with foliage
Remove damaged or yellowing older leaves. Thin leaves if overcrowding occurs to improve air circulation and light penetration. Apply fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Monitor water quality and depth.
Flowering
June-September (8-12 weeks or longer)Star-shaped lilac-pink flowers emerge on stems and float on the surface; blooms open in morning and close by afternoon
Flowers bloom from June through September. Remove spent flowers daily to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent water temperature and nutrients. Ensure adequate sunlight—blooms require minimum 6 hours daily.
Seed Pod Formation & Dormancy
September-NovemberAfter flowering, seed pods may develop underwater; foliage gradually reduces as temperatures cool in autumn
Allow some flowers to set seed if seed propagation is desired; otherwise remove spent flowers. As water temperature drops below 60°F, reduce fertilization. In fall, prepare tuber for winter dormancy by thinning dead foliage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; submerge affected leaves briefly; introduce natural predators like water boatmen. In ponds, increase water circulation.
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Remove affected leaves and discard; spray with neem oil during early infestations. Improve water quality and aeration to discourage beetles.
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Remove and discard heavily spotted leaves. Improve water circulation and reduce organic debris. Avoid overhead watering; use fungicide tablets formulated for aquatic plants if severe.
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Ensure soil is heavy clay, not peat-rich. Maintain good water quality and aeration. Remove affected tubers immediately. In containers, change water regularly and avoid stagnation.
Uses
Ornamental water gardening edible companion
CulinaryWhile Laydekeri Lilacina itself is ornamental, it pairs beautifully with water gardens that include edible aquatic plants like watercress and water chestnuts, creating multifunctional garden ecosystems. [source]
Decorative pond and container water feature
HouseholdThe delicate lilac-pink flowers and compact growth make this lily perfect for ornamental ponds, water basins, and container gardens on patios and balconies, providing continuous color all summer. [source]
Pollinator and aquatic insect support
WildlifeThe floating flowers attract bees, beetles, and dragonflies, while the broad lily pads provide resting platforms for aquatic insects, frogs, and newts, supporting pond ecosystem health. [source]
Traditional water lily phytochemistry
MedicinalHardy water lilies in the Nymphaea genus contain alkaloids and polyphenols studied in ethnobotanical traditions; while not used medicinally itself, the genus has historical significance in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. [source]
Cut flower and floral arrangement use
CraftThe beautiful star-shaped blooms can be carefully cut in the morning and floated in shallow bowls for table arrangements or floral designs, lasting one to two days. [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 and not harvested for food. Pinch off spent flowers daily (they close by evening anyway) to encourage continuous blooming. Seed pods form underwater; collect and dry them in late summer if propagating from seed. Tubers can be divided in spring when new growth appears—gently separate using a clean knife, ensuring each division has at least one growth bud.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Laydekeri Lilacina is a dwarf cultivar developed by French nurseryman Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac in the late 1800s; it remains one of the most reliable compact water lilies for small spaces over 125 years later.
- 🌱 Water lily flowers exhibit a fascinating heliotropic behavior—they open in the morning sun and close by afternoon, storing pollen inside to protect it from moisture and damage.
- 🌱 The name 'lilacina' refers to the lilac or pale purple coloration of the petals; this pigmentation comes from anthocyanin compounds also found in grapes and blueberries.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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