Skip to content
Nymphaea 'Sultan'
Nymphaea 'Sultan'
Nymphaea 'Sultan'
Nymphaea 'Sultan'
Nymphaea 'Sultan'
Nymphaea 'Sultan'

Nymphaea 'Sultan'

Water Lily
Availability:
Out of stock
Availability:
Out of stock
Availability:
Out of stock
Availability:
Out of stock
Sold out
£0.00 - £0.00
£0.00
£9.10
£9.10 - £33.35
£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 'Sultan'

Nymphaea 'Sultan' is a hardy water lily introduced by Latour-Marliac in the early 1900s and still grown because the flower colour changes as it ages. It grows from a rhizome and forms a broad patch of floating pads, then produces cup-shaped blooms through summer. Most sellers simply call it Sultan water lily. If you like lilies with shifting colour rather than a single fixed shade, this one is worth a look.

Appearance

Sultan flowers often open strawberry to deep pink, then darken towards cherry red as the bloom matures. Several descriptions also mention flecking that can develop from the inner petals outwards, so older flowers can look more patterned than fresh ones. The flower shape is usually described as cup-like and fairly full, with petals layering into a double look. Fragrance is often described as slight rather than strong. Pads are green and form a solid surface raft, giving the plant a substantial presence once it is established.

Care Guide

Plant Sultan in full sun in still water. Use a wide basket with heavy loam based compost and top with washed gravel. Lower the pot in stages so new leaves reach the surface quickly. It is usually recommended for medium to large ponds, and many sources place it in medium to deeper water once established. A practical working range is around 50–120 cm of water over the crown, adjusted so the plant is not forced to stretch. Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets through the growing season to keep buds coming and to support the colour show. Remove old pads and spent flowers regularly. Over winter, leave it below the ice line and avoid lifting the basket unless you need to divide it.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

Sultan suits medium to large ponds where it can make a good patch of pads without crowding everything else. The surface cover helps fish by providing shade and hiding places, and it can reduce algae by limiting light. The changing flower colour looks best when you can see flowers at different stages, so it works well as a main lily rather than one of many mixed together. In smaller ponds, keep it contained in a basket and be prepared to divide to maintain open water. If you want to repot Nymphaea 'Sultan', do it in late spring when new shoots are moving and the water is warming. A wide basket helps Nymphaea 'Sultan' spread evenly and stops the rhizome circling in a tight pot.

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.

Rated Excellent