Nymphaea 'Meteor' (Aka Rembrandt) - Red Hardy Lily
Best vibrant aquatic bloom for medium to large pond enthusiasts.
The Nymphaea 'Meteor', also known as the Rembrandt Red Hardy Lily, is a stunning aquatic plant that brings vibrant color to any pond. It consistently produces large, peony-shaped red blooms throughout the summer. The foliage is equally attractive, featuring green pads with red flecking and red undersides. This fast-growing lily thrives in full sun and is suitable for medium to large ponds, offering an easy-care option for pond enthusiasts. It is hardy in USDA Zones 3-11 and is supplied as a bare root for planting.
$32.84
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 955
#3 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+77%
Above average
Hardiness Zones
311
/ -
Who it's for
- Fish keepers looking to naturally control algae and provide shelter
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-contrast focal point for water features
- Pond owners wanting low-maintenance perennials that survive cold winters
Who should skip it
- Owners of shaded gardens with limited direct sunlight access
- Busy hobbyists avoiding routine maintenance like repotting and division
- Pond keepers preferring plants that do not require pest management
Performance breakdown
Bloom Vibrancy
Deep red peony-shaped flowers provide a striking focal point for ponds.
Climate Adaptability
Exceptional hardiness range makes this lily viable for most North American climates.
Growth Velocity
Rapid development ensures quick coverage and aesthetic impact in new ponds.
Maintenance Ease
Simple planting requirements make this an ideal choice for beginner hobbyists.
Foliage Aesthetics
Unique red-flecked pads offer visual interest even when flowers are closed.
Pond Coverage
Generous spread capacity effectively shades water to help suppress algae growth.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
3-11
Bloom Size
5-6 inches
Spread
3-5 feet (up to 152.4 cm)
Recommended Water Depth
6-36 inches
Sunlight Requirement
High Light
Plant Form
Floating Plant
Growth Rate
Fast
CO2 Requirement
No CO2 Required
Features
- Produces abundant, large red peony-shaped blooms.
- Fast growth rate for quick pond color.
- Hardy in a wide range of climates.
- Attractive foliage with red markings.
- Thrives in full sun conditions.
- Ideal for medium to large ponds.
- Easy to care for pond hobbyists.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Nymphaea 'Meteor' upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the robust health and size of the hardy lily, suggesting careful packaging and handling. The primary satisfaction driver is the plant's reliability; it establishes quickly and produces the promised deep red blooms, significantly enhancing pond aesthetics. While planting requires attention, the resulting visual impact and successful growth make this lily a highly valued addition, confirming its premium status and reliable performance.
Know before you buy
This lily performs best when planted at a water depth between 6 and 36 inches. Ensure the rhizome is securely rooted in a pond-safe substrate at the bottom of your container or pond floor.
Yes, the 'Meteor' is a hardy variety suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 11. In colder regions, ensure the rhizome is deep enough in the water to remain below the ice line during winter.
Because it is a fast-growing plant, you should allow for a spread of 3 to 5 feet. It is best suited for medium to large ponds where it has enough surface area to thrive without overcrowding other plants.
No CO2 is required for this aquatic plant. While it is easy to care for, adding a standard aquatic plant fertilizer tablet to the substrate during the growing season can help support its rapid growth and abundant blooming.
This variety requires high light conditions to produce its signature red, peony-shaped blooms. For the best results, place it in an area of your pond that receives full, direct sun throughout the day.
The plant is supplied as a bare root rhizome. Upon arrival, plant it in an aquatic basket or directly into the pond substrate, ensuring the growing tip is positioned upward and covered with a layer of gravel to keep it anchored.
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