Nymphaea 'Denver' Hardy Lily
Best choice for small pond owners seeking elegant, long-lasting floral displays.
The 'Denver' waterlily is a hardy, free-flowering perennial that produces numerous creamy white to light yellow, peony-shaped flowers. These double blooms, measuring 3 to 4 inches, are slightly fragrant and remain open later in the day. Its medium green lily pads are adorned with red mottling around the edges and reach 4 to 5 inches across. This variety is well-suited for medium-sized ponds or smaller tub gardens, adding a touch of elegance to water features.
$29.85
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 955
#3 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+61%
Above average
Zones
311
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners living in regions with cold winter climates
- Pond owners seeking consistent, elegant summer floral displays
- Eco-conscious keepers wanting natural, chemical-free algae management
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance hobbyists avoiding heavy seasonal pond labor
- Owners of ponds located in shaded or woodland areas
- Gardeners who prefer plants that do not require pest monitoring
Performance breakdown
Hardiness Range
Thrives across a massive range of climates from zones 3-11.
Bloom Frequency
Free-flowering nature ensures a consistent display throughout the growing season.
Visual Appeal
Peony-shaped double blooms offer a sophisticated aesthetic for any water feature.
Diurnal Performance
Flowers stay open longer than standard varieties for extended evening enjoyment.
Versatility
Perfectly sized for both compact tub gardens and medium-sized ponds.
Foliage Interest
Red-mottled edges add subtle texture even when the plant isn't blooming.
Key Specs
Zones
3-11
Flower size
3 to 4 inches
Pad size
4 to 5 inches across
Features
- Hardy and free-flowering
- Peony-shaped, double blooms
- Blooms stay open later in the day
- Medium green lily pads with red mottling
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Nymphaea 'Denver' lily, noting that the plants arrive robust, healthy, and expertly packaged, ensuring high viability. The primary theme is reliability; these hardy lilies establish quickly and dependably produce beautiful blooms, often exceeding expectations for growth speed within the first season. This strong, reliable performance makes them a highly valued and trusted addition to any pond environment.
Know before you buy
Yes, this is a hardy variety suitable for zones 3 through 11. In colder climates, ensure the crown of the plant is placed deep enough in the pond to remain below the ice line during winter.
Absolutely. Because the lily pads only reach 4 to 5 inches across, the 'Denver' is well-suited for medium-sized ponds and smaller tub gardens where space is limited.
Unlike some varieties that close early, the 'Denver' is known for keeping its peony-shaped blooms open later into the day, allowing you to enjoy them during evening hours.
While the pads are compact at 4 to 5 inches, you should provide enough surface area for the plant to spread comfortably. It is best suited for medium-sized water features where it can establish its root system without being crowded by other aggressive growers.
This variety stands out for its unique peony-shaped, double blooms that transition from creamy white to a soft light yellow. Additionally, its foliage is distinctively marked with red mottling around the edges of the pads.
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