Dharaseeds
Nymphaea ‘Amethyst Crystal’
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
The Nymphaea ‘Amethyst Crystal’ is a stunning water lily variety that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and color to your pond or water garden. Known for its beautiful amethyst-purple blooms, this water lily brings both beauty and serenity to any aquatic space. Its vibrant flowers are a rare sight, making it a favorite among water garden enthusiasts.
Key Benefits
- Exquisite Purple Blooms: The ‘Amethyst Crystal’ variety produces large, amethyst-colored flowers with a slightly translucent quality that glows beautifully under sunlight.
- Fragrant Flowers: Enjoy a delicate and sweet fragrance that enhances the atmosphere of your pond or water garden.
- Long Blooming Season: This water lily blooms continuously throughout the summer months, ensuring a colorful and vibrant display for an extended period.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the ‘Amethyst Crystal’ is easy to care for, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced pond gardeners.
- Compact Growth: It has a moderate growth habit, making it suitable for small to medium-sized ponds, providing coverage without overwhelming the space.
Variety Features
- Leaf Color: The leaves of the Nymphaea ‘Amethyst Crystal’ are deep green, offering a contrast to the bright and vibrant blooms. The leaves are large, floating, and provide excellent coverage for the pond.
- Flower Color: The amethyst blooms have an almost crystalline look, transitioning from a light purple hue to darker shades at the base, creating a mesmerizing effect.
- Flower Size: The flowers are medium to large in size, typically 6–8 inches in diameter, making them noticeable without being overwhelming.
- Growth Habit: It has a moderate spread, typically reaching 3–4 feet in width, making it ideal for small to medium ponds where space is limited.
- Spread: It expands up to 3–4 feet, allowing it to cover the water’s surface without becoming too invasive.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Best Planting Time: Plant the ‘Amethyst Crystal’ water lily in spring once the water temperature is above 70°F (21°C) for optimal growth and blooming.
Planting Details
- Planting Depth: Plant the rhizomes 12–18 inches beneath the water’s surface, allowing the flowers to rise above the waterline.
- Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow for their growth and prevent overcrowding in the pond.
- Soil Requirements: Use a heavy, loamy, or clay-based soil in an aquatic planting basket to keep the rhizomes stable and allow for good root development.
- Sunlight: This water lily thrives in full sun, requiring 6–8 hours of sunlight daily to encourage strong growth and blooming.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the water level stable, ensuring the rhizomes remain submerged.
- Regular water changes can help maintain a clean environment and prevent algae buildup, keeping your water lily healthy.
Fertilization
- Fertilize the ‘Amethyst Crystal’ water lily every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with aquatic plant fertilizer for optimal blooming and growth.
Pruning
- Remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and direct energy to new flowers and growth.
- Trim any excessive growth to prevent overcrowding in your pond.
Pest and Disease Management
- Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites and use natural or organic treatments as needed.
- Diseases: Maintain clean water to prevent fungal or bacterial growth. Regularly remove any decaying plant material to prevent disease.
Storage
- Flowers: While the blooms can be cut and enjoyed in vases, they are best left floating in the pond, where they can be fully appreciated in their natural habitat.
- Rhizomes: In colder climates, ensure the rhizomes are protected from freezing by storing them in a cool, damp place during the winter months.
Practical Uses
- Pond Landscaping: The ‘Amethyst Crystal’ is perfect for adding a splash of color and elegance to small to medium-sized ponds. Its bright purple flowers make it a standout focal point in any water feature.
- Wildlife Habitat: This water lily offers shelter and shade for fish and other pond creatures, while its blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Fragrant Addition: The subtle fragrance of the flowers will enhance the sensory experience of your pond, adding a pleasant natural perfume to your garden.
Conclusion
The Nymphaea ‘Amethyst Crystal’ is a striking and elegant water lily that will bring beauty, fragrance, and color to your pond or water garden. With its vibrant amethyst-purple blooms, moderate growth habit, and ease of care, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their aquatic spaces with a standout plant. Whether you're new to water gardening or an experienced enthusiast, this water lily will make a dazzling addition to any pond.