{"product_id":"black-princess-water-lily-pond-plants-mw31","title":"Nymphaea 'Black Princess'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eNymphaea\u003c\/i\u003e 'Black Princess' is a hardy water lily for still ponds and containers, grown under the name Black Princess. It is grown for very dark maroon flowers that look almost black towards the centre. It is also a good pick when you want bold contrast against green pads. Most gardeners simply call it a water lily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Princess makes a neat raft of pads that sit flat on the surface. Oval pads to about 25 cm across, deep maroon when young then dark green. Flowers are peony-like blooms about 12–15 cm across, deep red-maroon with darker centres and yellow stamens, lightly scented. Buds rise on short stems and open widest in calm, sunny weather. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow Black Princess in full sun if you can, with the pot away from fountains and pump outlets. Plant into a wide aquatic basket with heavy loam based compost and cap with washed gravel so the water stays clear. Lower the basket in stages and settle it at about 20–75 cm (up to around 90 cm in larger ponds). Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets through the growing season, pushing them deep into the compost. Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers as you go to reduce debris. As a hardy lily, it can stay in the pond over winter as long as the crown sits below the ice line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitability for Garden Ponds\u003c\/h3\u003e\nBlack Princess suits ponds where you can spare a surface area of about about 100–120 cm. The pads give shade for fish and tadpoles and cut down glare on the water. If the pond is small, one lily is usually enough and looks more natural than several competing plants. \n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should I plant Black Princess?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAim for about 20–75 cm (up to around 90 cm in larger ponds). Start slightly shallower in late spring, then lower the basket once it is growing strongly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much space does Black Princess need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlan for a surface spread of about 100–120 cm. If the pond is small, keep it in a basket so you can lift and divide it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen will Black Princess flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost lilies flower from early to late summer in the UK, with the best display in warm, bright weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Princess suitable for fish ponds?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The pads give shade and cover, and the basket keeps the roots secure in ponds with fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How deep should I plant Black Princess?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Aim for about 20–75 cm (up to around 90 cm in larger ponds). Start slightly shallower in late spring, then lower the basket once it is growing strongly.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How much space does Black Princess need?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Plan for a surface spread of about 100–120 cm. If the pond is small, keep it in a basket so you can lift and divide it.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"When will Black Princess flower?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Most lilies flower from early to late summer in the UK, with the best display in warm, bright weather.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is Black Princess suitable for fish ponds?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. The pads give shade and cover, and the basket keeps the roots secure in ponds with fish.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Lincspplants","offers":[{"title":"Loose Root","offer_id":51236400627992,"sku":"MW31-loose","price":18.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Kit","offer_id":51236400660760,"sku":"MW31-kit","price":23.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Potted","offer_id":51236400693528,"sku":"MW31-pot","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large Kit","offer_id":51236400726296,"sku":"MW31-large-kit","price":66.7,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Litre Premium Potted","offer_id":51961044042008,"sku":"MW31-5-Litre-Prem","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/2075\/9064\/files\/Black_Princess.jpg?v=1765309004","url":"https:\/\/sarracenia.house\/products\/black-princess-water-lily-pond-plants-mw31","provider":"Sarracenia House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}