Nymphaea Tina (Tropical Water Lily)

Nymphaea 'Tina' is a captivating tropical water lily known for its eye-catching, vibrant blooms and compact growth habit. This dwarf variety is perfect for smaller ponds or water features, adding color and beauty without taking up too much space. With its stunning pink flowers and rich green foliage, 'Tina' is sure to become a standout feature in your water garden.

Key Benefits

• Compact Growth: The small, compact nature of 'Tina' makes it an ideal choice for smaller ponds or water containers, where larger water lilies may not thrive.
• Vibrant Pink Blooms: Beautiful deep pink flowers with a striking yellow center that stand out against the lush green leaves, creating a vivid contrast.
• Fragrant Flowers: Enjoy the subtle, pleasant fragrance of 'Tina''s blooms, which enhances the sensory appeal of your water garden.
• Fast-Growing: This variety is quick to grow and produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season, bringing constant beauty to your pond.
• Ideal for Shallow Water: 'Tina' is well-suited for shallow waters, making it perfect for smaller, more confined spaces like water containers or small garden ponds.

Variety Features

• Flower Color: Rich pink petals with a brilliant yellow center, creating a vibrant and attractive contrast against the green leaves.
• Flower Size: Medium-sized blooms, typically 4-6 inches in diameter, perfect for smaller ponds or water features.
• Leaf Color: Deep green, rounded leaves that provide a beautiful backdrop to the flowers.
• Growth Habit: Compact and spreading, reaching up to 2-3 feet wide, perfect for smaller water gardens.
• Hardiness Zone: Best suited for USDA Zones 10-11, where tropical conditions prevail.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Best Planting Time: Ideal to plant 'Tina' in the spring or early summer, when water temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C).

Planting Details

• Planting Depth: Position the rhizome 6-18 inches below the water's surface to allow the flowers to float and bloom.
• Spacing: Space plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for spreading without overcrowding.
• Soil Requirements: Use aquatic planting soil or heavy, clay-based soil in a water lily pot for optimal growth.
• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for this tropical variety to thrive, requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water Level: Ensure the rhizomes are submerged and that the leaves float above the water's surface.
• Water Quality: Maintain clean, clear water for healthy growth and to avoid algae buildup.

Fertilization

• Fertilizer: Use an aquatic fertilizer to encourage strong growth and vibrant blooms. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
• Fertilizing Frequency: Reapply fertilizer during the growing season to ensure continuous blooming and healthy foliage.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to promote new blooms and keep the water garden looking neat.
• Leaf Care: Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain a clean and attractive appearance.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or snails. Organic pest control options can be used to manage infestations.
• Diseases: Maintain good water quality and remove any decaying organic material to prevent fungal diseases.

Storage

• Winter Care: In colder climates, remove the rhizomes before the first frost and store them in a cool, moist environment over the winter to prevent freezing.
• Storage Conditions: Keep the rhizomes in a cool, dark area to avoid drying out.

Practical Uses

• Small Water Gardens: 'Tina' is ideal for smaller ponds, water containers, and patio water gardens due to its compact size.
• Tropical Appeal: Adds a touch of tropical beauty and color to your outdoor water features, with its striking pink flowers and green leaves.
• Fragrant Addition: The light fragrance of its blooms enhances the sensory experience in any pond or garden setting.

Conclusion

Nymphaea 'Tina' is the perfect choice for gardeners with smaller ponds or those looking to add a compact yet vibrant tropical water lily to their water garden. With its stunning pink blooms, delightful fragrance, and easy-to-care-for nature, this variety is sure to brighten up your space and provide a tropical ambiance. Whether you're looking to enhance a small pond or water container, 'Tina' will thrive and bloom beautifully throughout the growing season.