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Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'

Nymphaea 'Perry's Almost Black'

Water Lily
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
£0.00 - £0.00
£0.00
£9.10
£9.10 - £36.00
£9.10
Type: Loose Root
Size Information

You can choose plants in various pot sizes. Non-potted plants arrive bare root for you to pot in the specified pot size.

Seasonal Information

Depending on the time of year, pond plants may be supplied fully-leaved, with flowers, or with foliage trimmed back.

Delivery Information

This plant is grown in the UK and sent directly from our tried, tested and trusted plant partner. Delivery price calculated at checkout.

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.

FAQs

What size water lily do I need for my pond?

Choose a water lily according to the eventual spread of its leaves and the depth of your pond. Compact and miniature varieties are suitable for small ponds and containers, while vigorous varieties need substantially more surface area and deeper water.

How deep should a water lily be planted?

Planting depth varies by variety. Newly planted water lilies can initially be positioned in shallower water, sometimes by raising the basket on bricks, and then lowered gradually as the leaves grow towards the surface. Check the recommended final depth for the specific variety.

Do water lilies need full sun to flower?

Most water lilies flower best with plenty of direct sunlight. A pond in heavy shade may produce fewer flowers, although requirements vary between varieties. When choosing a water lily, consider both the available sunlight and the mature size of the plant.

Can I grow a water lily in a small pond?

es. There are compact and miniature water lilies bred for small ponds, tubs and other container water features. Avoid choosing a vigorous full-sized variety for a small pond, as it can quickly cover too much of the surface.

Why is my water lily growing leaves but not flowering?

Poor flowering can result from insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, an unsuitable planting depth or lack of nutrients. Established water lilies may need dividing and repotting when congested, and plants that flower poorly may benefit from an appropriate aquatic fertiliser where feeding is required.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.

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