James Brydon Lily
Best low-maintenance water lily for beginner pond enthusiasts.
Discover the James Brydon Lily, a stunning Hardy water lily hybrid known for its vibrant, deep red, cup-shaped blossoms and bronze-tinged green pads. This variety boasts a sweet apple scent and a free-flowering habit, reliably adding color to your water garden. It's an excellent choice for hobbyists, tolerating partial shade and suitable for pools of any size. Its easy care level and classic beauty make it a perfect addition to any outdoor water feature, bringing timeless elegance and a touch of nature's artistry.
$39.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 955
#3 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+115%
Above average
Scientific Name
Nymphaea x 'James Brydon'
/ Nymphaea x 'James Brydon'
Who it's for
- Pond owners wanting long-lasting color in partial shade
- Gardeners seeking a bold, vibrant centerpiece for their pond
- Beginner pond keepers needing a resilient, low-maintenance perennial
Who should skip it
- Keepers of shallow water features or small basins
- Owners of small containers or limited-space water features
- Gardeners preferring wide, star-shaped floral displays
Performance breakdown
Bloom Vibrancy
Deep red, cup-shaped blossoms provide a striking visual centerpiece.
Maintenance Ease
Hardy nature makes this an ideal choice for beginner pond keepers.
Flowering Frequency
Reliable, free-flowering habit ensures consistent color throughout the season.
Shade Tolerance
Adapts well to partial shade where other lilies might struggle.
Fragrance Profile
Subtle apple scent adds a pleasant sensory layer to the garden.
Versatility
Compact growth habit fits perfectly in ponds of any size.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Nymphaea x 'James Brydon'
Type
Hardy
Flower Color
Red
Pad Color
Green/Bronze
Size
Small to Medium
Hybridizer
Dreer Nurseries 1900
Plant Form
Rhizome Plant
Substrate Requirement
Rooted in Substrate
Features
- Deep red, cup-shaped blossoms
- Bronze-colored pads
- Sweet apple scent
- Tolerates partial shade
- Very free flowering habit
- Easy care level
- Suitable for any size pool
What customers say
Customers are thrilled with the James Brydon Lily, noting its exceptional quality upon arrival. Reviewers consistently highlight the plant's robust health and reliable, deep red blooms throughout the season. It establishes quickly in water gardens, making it an excellent choice even for novice pond keepers. The vibrant color payoff and vigorous growth justify the price point, leading to high satisfaction regarding its overall value.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is quite versatile and tolerates partial shade well, making it a great choice for ponds that receive less than full, direct sunlight.
The James Brydon is a small-to-medium sized lily, meaning it is suitable for water features of almost any size, from small patio containers to larger garden ponds.
No, this is a hardy outdoor plant that does not require CO2 supplementation. It should be planted in a container with aquatic soil or heavy loam and rooted in the substrate at the bottom of your pond.
This hybrid is known for its free-flowering habit, meaning it will produce its deep red, cup-shaped blossoms consistently throughout the growing season.
It is considered an easy-care plant. Once established in your pond, it requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional grooming of old leaves or flowers.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40