Quick Facts:: Colorata (Nymphaea colorata)
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Lighting: | High |
| Placement: | Bottom |
| Maximum Length: | 6' |
| Water Conditions: | 70-80 F, pH 6.1 - 7.5 |
| Propagation: | Rhizone Division |
| Coloration: | Purple, Blue |
| Supplements: | Slow Release Tablets |
| Origin: | East Africa |
Characteristics The Colorata Lily is a compact, day blooming tropical lily that is native to tropical East Africa. It was first described by A. Peter in 1928. Its fragrant flower has dark blue to violet color and consists of 4-5 sepals and 13-15 petals. The leaves are solid green on top with bluish violet underside. They measure 8 to 9 inches and can spread between 3 and 6 feet wide but they also adapt to smaller space. It is a prolific bloomer and does fairly well in the shade. The Colorata Lily is ideal for planting in tubs and kettles. It is also terrific for beginners. This tropical lily will continue to flower even when temperature drops to 65F! Zones 9-11. Water Conditions 70-80° F pH 6.1-7.5 Care Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Hardy to USDA Zone 9 ,in a pond it can spread up to 6 feet.The Colorata Lily will also thrive in small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or 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. Rhizomes of container-grown plants may be lifted in fall and stored in lidded glass jars of moist sand until spring. 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). Cut 4-5 inch chunks making sure each section contains a bud eye. Replant all divide sections as soon as possible. Best done in early spring to give the plant grow time before preparing for winter. |
