Description of Nymphaea 'Black Princess'

Nymphaea '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.

Appearance

Black 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.

Care Guide

Grow 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.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

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