Tropical waterlilies are intoxicating creatures sure to captivate any gardeners.

Flowers of tropical waterlilies are magnificent and huge, reaching more than 12 inches in diamater. Most have seven or more open blooms at a time. They will also put off a fragrance. They come in many different, brilliant colors. Most cultivars now sold flower during daylight hours, but some only come out at night.


Tropical waterlilies resemble their hardy cousins in their overall plant habit, with leaves and flowers, that float on the surface. The leaves of tropical waterlilies are not smooth at their edges. Instead leaves are highly toothed, looking as though their edges have been cut with scalloped scissors. This is the most easiest way to tell if it is tropical or hardy. Tropical waterlilies often have a wide leaf spread, making them suitable for large ponds that are 8 feet or more in diameter. Some other cultivars are suitable for smaller water gardens.

Like the hardy relatives, tropical waterlilies usually require full sunlight, at least 8 hours every day. Although despite the general rule, many of the blue-flowering cultivars will bloom even if they do not get a full eight hours of sun.

Tropical waterlilies may be safely placed in the outdoor pond when the water reaches a consistent temperature of about 70 degrees. Placing a tropical in a cold pond may stunt it or even kill it.

Tropical waterlilies generally grow form a central crown. Unlike many hardy waterlilies, which grow from creeping rhizomes that crawl across the pot. Tropicals grow in an upright position looking much like a pineapple. So a dormant tuber can be planted in the middle of the pot filled about two-thirds full of heavy clay soil. Plant the tuber 1-3 inches below the soil surface. The tuber sends sprouts up to the surface, as many as 18 inches, resulting in 18 plants.