Description of Nymphaea 'Xue Fei'

Nymphaea 'Xue Fei' is a hardy dwarf water lily, often listed as Nymphaea pygmaea 'Xue Fei'. It grows from a small rhizome and forms a compact patch of pads, which makes it a good fit for tubs and very small ponds. Sellers usually use the cultivar name Xue Fei, and you may also see it written as Xiafei. It suits gardeners who want a strong flower colour but do not have the space for a large-spreading lily.

Appearance

Xue Fei produces small rounded pads, sometimes described as having red edging on the leaves. The plant stays compact compared with medium and large lilies, which helps it look in proportion in a patio container. Flowers are commonly described as intense deep pink to red, opening into a tidy, cupped to star-like bloom with a warm yellow centre. Some listings also mention fragrance. Because the plant is small, the flowers feel prominent and easy to see, even when you only have a few blooms at once. In bright sun the colour looks richest, while cooler weather can make it read as deeper pink rather than red.

Care Guide

Grow Xue Fei in full sun in still water. Plant it in a smaller aquatic basket with heavy loam based compost and a gravel cap. Because it is a dwarf lily, keep it shallower than large pond cultivars. Many sellers position dwarf lilies on a shallow shelf so the pads reach the surface easily, and you can raise the basket on bricks if needed. Feed with small aquatic fertiliser tablets through the growing season, but do not overdo it, as a small pot can build up nutrients quickly. Remove old leaves so the small plant does not get smothered by decaying material. It is hardy, so it can stay outdoors over winter as long as the rhizome sits below ice.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

Xue Fei suits tubs, half barrels, and very small ponds where you want a bold flower colour without losing all your open water to pads. The leaf cover still provides shade and shelter for wildlife, but the compact habit makes it easier to keep balance in a small feature. It can also work as a second lily on a shallow shelf in a larger pond, as long as you space it well away from vigorous cultivars that could crowd it. A wide basket helps Xue Fei root evenly and usually improves the flower count. In fish ponds, a gravel cap helps stop compost being disturbed around Xue Fei. A wide basket helps Xue Fei root evenly and usually improves the flower count.