Waterlily Paranee (Hardy Waterlily)

Nymphaea 'Paranee' is a stunning hardy water lily known for its graceful pink and yellow blooms that float serenely on the surface of your pond or water garden. This hardy variety is perfect for gardeners in cooler climates who still want to enjoy beautiful water lilies. Its hardy nature makes it a reliable choice for a variety of outdoor ponds, from smaller water gardens to larger decorative features.

Key Benefits

• Elegant Pink and Yellow Blooms: The soft pink petals, tinged with yellow at the base, make 'Paranee' a striking addition to any pond.
• Hardy and Resilient: As a hardy water lily, 'Paranee' can withstand cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for colder climates or perennial water gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, this variety is easy to care for, thriving with minimal effort and offering year-round enjoyment.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: This water lily produces beautiful flowers from late spring to early autumn, adding a touch of elegance to your water garden for an extended period.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The delicate blooms attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Variety Features

• Flower Color: The flowers feature soft pink petals with a yellow center, offering a gentle and elegant look to the pond.
• Flower Size: The flowers typically measure around 5-7 inches across, making them noticeable without being overly large.
• Leaf Color: The lily pads are a deep green with a smooth texture, contrasting beautifully with the pale flowers.
• Growth Habit: 'Paranee' grows vigorously, reaching a height of 12-18 inches above the water surface, and spreads to cover a wide area, making it ideal for medium to large ponds.
• Hardiness Zone: This hardy water lily thrives in USDA Zones 3-11, surviving through the winter in cooler climates.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Best Planting Time: Plant 'Paranee' in late spring to early summer once the water temperature reaches 60°F (15°C) or higher, allowing the plant to establish itself before the colder months.

Planting Details

• Planting Depth: Place the rhizome 6-18 inches below the water surface, ensuring that it has enough depth to establish a strong root system.
• Spacing: Space the plants at least 3-4 feet apart to ensure each lily has enough room to grow and thrive.
• Soil Requirements: Use aquatic soil or a container designed for aquatic plants to ensure healthy root development.
• Sunlight: Provide full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day to encourage strong growth and consistent blooming.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water Level: Keep the water level stable, with the rhizome submerged and the leaves floating on the surface.
• Water Quality: Ensure the water is clean and fresh. Regularly refresh the water to prevent stagnation and maintain optimal growth.

Fertilization

• Fertilizer: Apply slow-release aquatic fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms throughout the growing season.
• Fertilizing Frequency: Fertilize at the start of the growing season and again in mid-summer to support continued growth.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant’s aesthetic appeal.
• Leaf Care: Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves to prevent them from affecting the plant's overall health.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Watch for common water lily pests like aphids or snails, and use organic pest control if needed.
• Diseases: Regularly check for signs of diseases like crown rot or mildew, and ensure good water quality to prevent these issues.

Storage

• Winter Care: In colder climates (below USDA Zone 3), bring the rhizomes indoors to protect them from frost, or bury them in a mud-covered area of your pond where they can stay safe until spring.
• Winter Storage Conditions: Store the rhizomes in a cool, moist location if bringing them indoors during the winter.

Practical Uses

• Pond Decoration: 'Paranee' adds a touch of elegance to any pond, water garden, or water feature with its beautiful blooms and green leaves.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, enhancing the health of your garden ecosystem.
• Ideal for Cold Climates: As a hardy water lily, 'Paranee' is perfect for colder climates and can survive through winter, offering reliable beauty year after year.

Conclusion

Nymphaea 'Paranee' is an elegant, hardy water lily that produces stunning pink and yellow flowers, perfect for adding grace to any pond or water garden. With its ability to thrive in cooler temperatures and its minimal care requirements, it’s a fantastic choice for gardeners in colder climates looking to enjoy the beauty of water lilies. 'Paranee' blooms from late spring to early fall, offering vibrant color and a touch of elegance to your outdoor spaces.