Nymphaea Director George T. Moore (GT Moore)

Nymphaea Director George T. Moore (also known as GT Moore) is a stunning tropical water lily with striking white to pale pink flowers that gradually deepen in color as they mature. It is named after a prominent water lily enthusiast and plant collector, George T. Moore. This variety is cherished for its large, dramatic blooms and elegant appearance, making it a perfect choice for larger ponds or water gardens. GT Moore is also known for its vigorous growth and ability to produce multiple blooms throughout the growing season.

Key Benefits

• Elegant Color Transition: The flowers start as white or pale pink and transition to a deeper pink or red as they age, creating a beautiful visual effect.
• Large, Showy Blooms: Flowers can reach up to 8–10 inches in diameter, making a bold statement in any water garden.
• High Blooming Frequency: Blooms profusely throughout the summer, providing long-lasting beauty and color.
• Robust Growth: Known for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, GT Moore grows vigorously and remains healthy even in larger water features.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to promote biodiversity in your garden.

Variety Features

• Flower Size: Large blooms, up to 8–10 inches in diameter.
• Flower Color: Begins as a white or pale pink bloom and gradually deepens to a rich pink or red, offering a stunning color gradient.
• Leaf Characteristics: Glossy, dark green leaves that provide a contrasting backdrop to the bright flowers.
• Growth Habit: Fast-growing and vigorous, spreading outwards with a dense cluster of foliage.
• Height: The flowers rise 3–6 inches above the water’s surface, with a spread of 3–4 feet.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Best Time to Plant: Plant in late spring or early summer when water temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C).
• Water Temperature: Thrives in water temperatures between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).

Planting Details

• Planting Depth: Place rhizomes 12–24 inches deep in the water, ensuring that the crown is just below the water surface.
• Spacing: Space plants 3–4 feet apart to allow for ample room to grow and spread.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, heavy, clay-based soil in containers or baskets for aquatic planting.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun, ideally receiving at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day to promote healthy growth and frequent blooms.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the water level consistent, ensuring the rhizomes remain submerged but not overly deep. Check water levels regularly, particularly in hot weather.

Fertilization

• Apply a slow-release aquatic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to support optimal growth and flowering.

Pruning

• Regularly remove dead or decaying flowers and leaves to keep the plant healthy and maintain a neat appearance in the pond.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for snails, aphids, or other aquatic pests that may damage the plant. Natural solutions like beneficial insects can help control these pests.
• Diseases: Prevent fungal infections by maintaining a clean pond environment and removing decaying organic matter. Regular water changes and proper care help reduce disease risks.

Harvesting

• Flowers: To harvest flowers, cut them in the morning when fully open. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears and place the flowers in a water-filled vase to keep them fresh.
• Rhizomes: To propagate, divide the rhizomes in early spring. Ensure each section has at least one healthy bud before replanting.

Storage

• Fresh Flowers: Keep cut flowers in a vase of water and change the water every 2–3 days to maintain freshness.
• Rhizomes: In colder climates, store rhizomes in a cool, dark, and damp place during the winter months, and replant them in the spring after the water temperature rises.

Practical Uses

• Water Gardens and Ponds: Nymphaea Director George T. Moore is a perfect centerpiece for larger ponds, adding vibrant color and dramatic blooms.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers draw in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing the health and biodiversity of your garden.
• Visual Appeal: Its striking white-to-pink blooms make it a showstopper, offering beauty and elegance to any water feature.

Conclusion

Nymphaea Director George T. Moore (GT Moore) is a stunning water lily that adds both elegance and vibrancy to larger water gardens and ponds. With its large, beautiful blooms that transition in color from white to pink, this variety provides continuous visual interest throughout the growing season. Easy to grow, vigorous, and pollinator-friendly, GT Moore is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a showy and long-blooming aquatic plant.