Description of Nymphaea 'Comanche'

Nymphaea 'Comanche' is a hardy water lily famous for flowers that shift colour as they age. It grows from a rhizome in a basket and forms a broad patch of pads on the surface. If you like lilies that look different across the season without needing tropical heat, this cultivar suits that role. It prefers still water and a sunny spot.

Appearance

Flowers open in warm apricot-yellow tones and then mature toward copper and red shades, with bright yellow stamens in the centre. The flower shape often changes too, starting more cup-like and opening wider into a starry look. Many growers notice a light, pleasant scent. Leaves can be large, and young pads often show bronze colouring with purple spotting before they turn greener. The plant sits in the medium to large bracket. Many ponds see a spread around 1.2m or more when conditions suit it, so give it room.

Care Guide

Plant Nymphaea 'Comanche' in a wide aquatic basket with heavy aquatic compost and a gravel top layer. Put it in full sun and keep it away from fountains and strong currents. Depth varies by pond, but treat it like a medium to larger lily. Use the general guide of placing medium lilies around 45–75cm above the pot, then go deeper only once the plant has strong pads and long stems. Start shallower in spring and lower it gradually. Feed through the growing season with aquatic fertiliser tablets. Remove yellowing leaves to keep the crown open and stop decaying pads from sitting on the surface.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

In a garden pond, Nymphaea 'Comanche' works best where you have room for its pad spread and you want changing colour. It can link yellow and red planting schemes because it shows both on the same plant. The pads give strong shade and provide cover for fish and wildlife. It does not suit tiny ponds or tubs because it can dominate the surface by late summer. In a medium pond, give it a defined zone and keep nearby floating plants under control so light still reaches the lily.

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