Description of Nymphaea 'Aurora'

Nymphaea 'Aurora' is a hardy pond water lily grown for its leaf cover and repeat flowering across the summer months. It settles best when left alone for a season, then it starts to build stronger pads and more buds. It is normally sold under the cultivar name Aurora rather than a separate common name.

Appearance

Green pads on a compact plant. The pads lie flat and create a steady raft over the water. Flowers are colour-changing blooms that open yellow then deepen through apricot and orange to pinkish red as they age. Expect often used in tubs and small ponds in good conditions. Blooms open in daylight and close later, so the display changes through the day.

Care Guide

Place Aurora in full sun where the surface stays calm and the leaves do not get battered by spray. Plant into a wide aquatic basket with heavy loam based compost, then cap with washed gravel to keep the water clear. Lower the basket in stages so new leaves can reach the surface, then settle it at around 30–60 (up to 90 once established) of water over the crown. Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets through the growing season, pushed into the compost. Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers to cut debris and keep growth moving. As a hardy lily, it can stay outside in winter as long as the crown sits below the ice line.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

Aurora suits ponds where you can give it about 70–90 cm of surface space. The pads shade fish and help limit algae by reducing light once the plant is established. Use one main lily in a small pond, or space several well apart in a larger pond so each has open water around it.

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