Nymphaea 'Tropic Star' - Hardy Lily
Best low-maintenance flowering lily for beginner pond enthusiasts.
Discover the Nymphaea 'Tropic Star', a stunning hardy lily hybrid that brings a touch of the tropics to your pond. This extraordinary plant boasts bi-color, star-shaped flowers with a light, sweet fragrance, standing elegantly above the water. It's exceptionally easy to grow, making it perfect for beginners, and offers heavy flowering from June through September. For optimal growth, plant in a wide container with loam soil, ensuring it receives full sun and is positioned 12 to 24 inches below the water's surface. Enjoy reliable blooms and hybrid vigor with this beautiful floating plant.
$47.26
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+155%
Above average
Type
Hardy Water Lily Hybrid
/ Hardy Water Lily Hybrid
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, high-impact floral centerpiece
- Busy pond owners wanting low-maintenance, long-term perennials
- Eco-conscious hobbyists prioritizing natural algae control and water health
Who should skip it
- Owners of small containers or restricted water garden spaces
- Gardeners with shaded ponds or limited direct sunlight exposure
- Pond keepers who prefer plants requiring zero pest management
Performance breakdown
Bloom Reliability
Consistent flowering performance throughout the entire summer season.
Beginner Friendliness
Low-maintenance requirements make this an ideal choice for pond novices.
Fragrance Intensity
Delicate, sweet notes provide a subtle sensory addition to pond areas.
Climate Adaptability
Exceptional hardiness allows for successful growth across diverse geographic zones.
Visual Impact
Distinctive star-shaped blooms create a striking focal point above water.
Establishment Ease
Bare root format simplifies the initial planting process for pond owners.
Key Specs
Type
Hardy Water Lily Hybrid
Hardiness Zones
3-11
Packaging
Bare Root
Recommended Container Size
16-20 inches wide
Recommended Soil
Loam soil
Light Requirement
High Light
Water Depth
12 - 24 inches beneath the surface
Aquarium Placement
Floating
Features
- Bi-color, star-shaped flowers above water
- Light, sweet fragrance
- Heavy flowering all summer
- Very easy to grow, ideal for beginners
- Hybrid vigor from tropical and hardy traits
- Blooms reliably June through September
- Floating plant form
- Fragrant blooms
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Nymphaea 'Tropic Star' upon arrival, noting the careful packaging ensures minimal shipping stress. A major theme is the plant's reliability and ease of establishment; even novice pond keepers report rapid, vigorous growth and beautiful, early blooms. The lily proves to be a robust addition, offering excellent value through its dependable performance and vibrant aesthetic contribution to the pond ecosystem.
Know before you buy
For the best results, position the crown of the plant 12 to 24 inches below the water's surface. This depth allows the lily pads to reach the surface while keeping the root system stable.
Yes, it thrives best in loam soil. We recommend using a wide container, ideally 16 to 20 inches in diameter, to provide enough space for the root system to spread.
This hybrid requires high light conditions to produce its heavy summer blooms. Ensure your pond location receives full sun throughout the day for the best flowering performance.
Yes, the 'Tropic Star' is a hardy lily hybrid suitable for hardiness zones 3 through 11. It is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it a reliable choice for most outdoor ponds.
The Nymphaea 'Tropic Star' is shipped as a bare-root plant. You will need to pot it in a suitable container with loam soil before submerging it in your pond.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$47