Cape blue waterlily

Also known as: shield-leaved water lily

A tropical, deciduous aquatic perennial with oval-shaped, glossy green leaves. Star-shaped lavender blue or purple flowers with yellow centres appear on tall, strong stems from summer through until the autumn. Tropical waterlillies can be grown in milder areas within the UK but should be lifted and stored over winter in a warm greenhouse

Scientific classification

Species: Cape blue waterlily (Nymphaea capensis)
Genus: Nymphaea
Family: Nymphaeaceae

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Toxicity: Aquatic
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Submerged
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Cape blue waterlily pictures

Distribution of Cape blue waterlily

Distribution map

Tanzania

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Cape blue waterlily

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Cape blue waterlily care guide

Keep roots in shallow water or permanently saturated aquatic soil
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep roots in shallow water or permanently saturated aquatic soil

Fertilizing

Use aquatic fertilizer lightly during warm active growth season

Pruning

Deadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes or offsets in summer, place pots in shallow water until established

Growing

Grow in undisturbed water in full sun. Plant in baskets in loamy soil with crowns just below soil surface and covered with pea shingle. Position basket so that it is covered by 15-25cm of water; as the plants establish gradually lower the plants to a depth of 50-70cm. Feed during the growing season with aquatic fertiliser at the manufacturer's recommended rate. Lift and store in a warm greenhouse over winter. See waterlily cultivation for more advice

More growing and care information →