Colorata Water Lily
Best low-maintenance flowering plant for beginner pond and container gardeners.
Discover the Colorata Water Lily, a forgiving tropical aquatic plant perfect for beginners. It boasts beautiful wisteria blue blossoms with purple stamens, held elegantly above the water. Its bright green, ornamental pads offer a textured, slightly ruffled edge, covering up to 6 feet to provide essential shade and habitat for pond life. This compact variety thrives in ponds, water gardens, and container water gardens, reliably blooming even in cooler temperatures and partial shade, making it an ideal choice for any water gardener.
$31.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+72%
Above average
Water Conditions
70806.17.5
/ -° F, pH -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a vibrant, eye-catching centerpiece for their water feature
- Pond owners needing a versatile plant for various container sizes
- Hobbyists prioritizing healthy, professionally sourced aquatic specimens
Who should skip it
- Gardeners preferring a hands-off approach to pest management
- Keepers in cold climates wanting a low-maintenance, year-round outdoor plant
- Owners of shaded ponds lacking consistent, direct full sunlight
Performance breakdown
Beginner Accessibility
Forgiving growth habits make this an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Bloom Reliability
Consistent flowering even in cooler temperatures and partial shade conditions.
Habitat Utility
Expansive pads provide essential cover and shade for pond inhabitants.
Environmental Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to container gardens, ponds, and larger water features.
Maintenance Effort
Low-demand care requirements minimize the need for constant intervention.
Aesthetic Impact
Striking blue blossoms elevate the visual appeal of any water feature.
Key Specs
Water Conditions
70-80° F, pH 6.1-7.5
Max. Size
6'
Family
Nymphaceae
Zones
9-11
Approximate Purchase Size
8" to 16"
Aquarium Placement
Marginal
Growth Rate
Moderate
Plant Form
Rhizome Plant
Features
- Easy care, ideal for beginners
- Prolific bloomer with sweet fragrance
- Flowers held above water
- Ornamental pads provide shade
- Compact growth habit
- Blooms in partial shade
- Suitable for ponds and containers
What customers say
Customers are highly satisfied with the Colorata Water Lily, consistently noting the exceptional quality and health of the plant upon arrival. Reviewers frequently mention the secure packaging and the vibrant, robust condition of the lily pads. A major theme is the ease of establishment; the plant reliably takes root and produces stunning, colorful blooms quickly, making it a favorite for adding instant beauty to water features. This reliability justifies the price point.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety has a compact growth habit that makes it well-suited for container water gardens, as well as larger ponds and paludariums.
Absolutely. Unlike many other water lilies, the Colorata is known for its ability to bloom reliably even in partial shade.
This is a rhizome-based plant that requires being rooted in a suitable aquatic substrate. Ensure the rhizome is securely anchored in the pond soil or planting container to support its growth.
The Colorata is a tropical plant that thrives in water temperatures between 70-80° F and is best suited for zones 9-11. If you live in a colder region, you will need to move the plant indoors or into a heated environment during the winter months.
The plant can reach a maximum spread of up to 6 feet. Its ornamental pads provide excellent shade and habitat for pond life, so be sure to account for this coverage when planning your layout.
No, CO2 supplementation is not required for this plant. It will grow well in standard pond or water garden conditions provided the temperature and light requirements are met.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$32