Description of Nymphaea 'Ellisiana'

Nymphaea 'Ellisiana' is a hardy water lily for still ponds and containers, grown under the name Ellisiana. It earns its place because it is popular for a strong red flower on a compact plant. Expect it to be useful when you need colour in a tub, barrel, or small pond. Most gardeners simply call it a water lily.

Appearance

The foliage of Ellisiana spreads across the surface in a clear patch rather than a messy tangle. Broadly oval pads, often purple-blotched when young then greener later. In bloom it carries bright red, star-shaped flowers around 14 cm across with orange stamens and a noticeable scent. Flowers sit on or just above the surface, so you see them best from the pond edge.

Care Guide

For best results, give Ellisiana calm water and plenty of light. 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 30–45 cm over the rhizome. Fertilise with aquatic tablets during active growth to keep flowering steady. Clear away ageing pads and finished blooms so light reaches new growth. 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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