Description of Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'

Nymphaea 'Almost Black' is a hardy water lily that is widely sold under the name Perry's Almost Black. It forms a manageable clump of floating pads and produces very dark plum to burgundy flowers that can look near-black towards the centre. Gardeners sometimes shorten the name to Almost Black water lily.

Appearance

The foliage often emerges with a bronzed or reddish flush, then turns green as the pads mature. Flowers are double and dark, with layered petals that sit on the surface and give a velvety look. In strong light the colour can read plum or deep wine, while in shade it can look almost black. The contrast against green pads is the main draw, and a few flowers can make a strong statement.

Care Guide

Give it full sun for the best depth of colour and more buds. Plant in a wide basket with loam based compost and cap with gravel. Lower the basket in stages and aim for a medium depth once established. Many growers place it around 45–90 cm over the crown, adjusted so pads reach the surface easily. Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets through summer. Remove old leaves and lift out spent flowers to reduce debris. It is hardy, so leave it below ice level over winter.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

This is a strong choice for ponds where you want bold contrast without a massive plant. The dark flowers show best when you can view them close up from a path or seating spot. The pads shade fish and help calm the water in bright weather. In small ponds, keep the surface open around it so the dark blooms stand out. Keep a small patch of open water near Perry's Almost Black so you can enjoy the flowers from the edge. In ponds with fish, a gravel cap helps stop compost being disturbed around Perry's Almost Black. If you lift Perry's Almost Black for repotting, do it in late spring when new shoots are obvious. If you lift Perry's Almost Black for repotting, do it in late spring when new shoots are obvious. Keep a small patch of open water near Perry's Almost Black so you can enjoy the flowers from the edge. Keep a small patch of open water near Perry's Almost Black so you can enjoy the flowers from the edge. Clear floating debris so buds on Perry's Almost Black can rise and open cleanly at the surface.

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