MiceDirect
Nymphaea "Almost Black" Water Lily - Slocum Winter-Hardy Sprouted Tuber Rhizome
Best winter-hardy choice for pond owners seeking dramatic, low-maintenance floral color.
Immerse your pond in the dramatic beauty of the Nymphaea "Almost Black" Water Lily. This Slocum variety boasts striking, deep-colored blooms that approach true black, creating a captivating focal point. As a winter-hardy perennial, it's designed to thrive in outdoor pond environments, returning year after year. Supplied as a sprouted rhizome, it's ready for immediate planting and establishes easily with low maintenance. It requires medium to high light levels to showcase its signature, rich-colored flowers, making it an accessible choice for adding deep, elegant color to your water feature.
$44.97
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 957
#3 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+142%
Above average
Type
Water Lily (Nymphaea)
/ Water Lily (Nymphaea)
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a sophisticated, high-contrast focal point
- Homeowners in cold climates wanting low-maintenance perennials
- Impatient growers looking for faster establishment and blooms
Who should skip it
- Novice gardeners lacking ideal sun and soil conditions
- Purists expecting a true black color in all light
- Busy owners avoiding messy, labor-intensive pond maintenance
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep, near-black petals create a dramatic focal point for any pond.
Winter Hardiness
Robust perennial nature ensures reliable return after harsh winter seasons.
Ease of Establishment
Sprouted rhizome format allows for quick, stress-free planting in substrate.
Maintenance Requirements
Low-effort care makes this an ideal choice for casual pond keepers.
Growth Predictability
Slow, steady growth pattern prevents the plant from overwhelming smaller ponds.
Light Adaptability
Requires consistent medium to high light to maintain signature dark pigmentation.
Key Specs
Type
Water Lily (Nymphaea)
Hardiness
Winter-Hardy
Form Supplied
Sprouted Tuber Rhizome
Light Requirement
Medium Light, High Light
Environment
Outdoor Pond
Maintenance
Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Plant Form
Rhizome Plant
Features
- Striking deep-colored blooms near black
- Winter-hardy for outdoor ponds
- Supplied as a sprouted rhizome
- Perennial, returns each year
- Easy care level
- Low maintenance required
- Bronze leaf color pattern
- Suitable for floating placement
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality and viability of the Nymphaea rhizomes upon delivery. The primary theme is reliability; buyers report successful sprouting and robust growth, confirming the winter hardy claim. Many reviewers highlight the impressive deep coloration, achieving the "Almost Black" hue quickly. This ease of establishment and dependable performance makes the product a standout value for specialized aquatic gardening enthusiasts seeking unique pond features.
Know before you buy
The 'Almost Black' variety produces extremely deep, dark purple-red petals that appear nearly black in certain lighting. While not a true pigment black, it is one of the darkest blooms available for aquatic gardens.
Plant the rhizome in an aquatic planting basket filled with heavy garden soil or specialized aquatic potting media. Ensure the growing tip is angled upward and just below the surface of the soil, then top with a layer of pea gravel to keep the soil in place before submerging it in your pond.
Yes, this is a winter-hardy perennial. As long as the rhizome is planted deep enough in your pond to remain below the ice line during winter, it will go dormant and return the following spring.
This water lily requires medium to high light levels to thrive and produce its signature dark flowers. Aim for at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure consistent blooming.
It is suitable for both, provided the container is large enough to accommodate the root system. Ensure the water depth is appropriate for the variety and that the plant has enough space to spread its bronze-colored leaves.
No, this plant does not require CO2 injection. While it is low-maintenance, you may occasionally add an aquatic fertilizer tablet to the soil during the growing season to encourage more robust blooms.
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