Quick Facts:: Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides)
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Lighting: | Medium |
| Placement: | Floating |
| Maximum Length: | 8" |
| Water Conditions: | 70-80 F, pH 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Propagation: | Viviparous |
| Coloration: | Green, Yellow |
| Supplements: | Rich Soil |
| Origin: | Brazil, South America |
.jpg)
Characteristics
The Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides) is a compact, day blooming tropical lily that is native to South America. It is a floating aquatic, with Short-lived, lemon-yellow flowers that will bloom in the summer with red and brown centers. The leaves are oval, solid green occurring along 2-3' long stems that send out roots at each node, allowing for easy division. It is usually evergreen in warmer climates winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11. The Water Poppy is ideal for planting in tubs and kettles.
The Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides) is a compact, day blooming tropical lily that is native to South America. It is a floating aquatic, with Short-lived, lemon-yellow flowers that will bloom in the summer with red and brown centers. The leaves are oval, solid green occurring along 2-3' long stems that send out roots at each node, allowing for easy division. It is usually evergreen in warmer climates winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11. The Water Poppy is ideal for planting in tubs and kettles.
Water Conditions
70 - 80° F
pH 6.5 - 7.5
Care
Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 8, in a pond it can spread up to 6 feet. The Water Poppy will survive in water up to 12 to 15" deep, but prefers shallow water conditions 4" to 8" depth. They also thrive in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 3 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. If overwintering is desired, bring plants indoors before first frost to a shallow tub or aquarium in strong light. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.
Propagation
Propagation is done by dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets). Best done in early spring to give the plant grow time before preparing for winter.
