Hermine Hardy Water Lily
Best choice for small pond owners seeking low-maintenance, classic white blooms.
The Hermine Hardy Water Lily, hybridized in 1910, is a classic choice for ponds and water gardens. This perennial variety produces charming tulip-shaped, pure-white blossoms with yellow stamens, measuring 2–4 inches across. Its solid green pads spread about 2–3 feet. Hermine is an easy-to-grow, free-flowering plant perfect for small ponds, container gardens, or shallow pond edges. It thrives in full sun and adds vintage elegance with dependable performance.
$34.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
711
/ 955
#711 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+83%
Above average
Variety Name
Hermine Hardy Water Lily
/ Hermine Hardy Water Lily
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a sophisticated, classic aesthetic for their pond
- Busy pond owners wanting reliable, low-maintenance perennial blooms
- Eco-conscious hobbyists looking to naturally manage pond water health
Who should skip it
- Owners of heavily shaded or woodland garden ponds
- People with limited surface area or tiny water features
- Gardeners preferring a strictly hands-off, zero-maintenance aquatic plant
Performance breakdown
Bloom consistency
Free-flowering nature ensures a steady display of white blossoms all season.
Container adaptability
Compact spread makes it an ideal candidate for small-scale water features.
Hardiness range
Exceptional versatility across USDA zones four through twelve.
Maintenance ease
A low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention from the gardener.
Visual impact
Classic tulip-shaped flowers provide a sophisticated, vintage aesthetic for any pond.
Growth vigor
Reliable root development establishes quickly in shallow water environments.
Key Specs
Variety Name
Hermine Hardy Water Lily
Hybridizer
Latour-Marliac (1910)
Flower Color
Pure white with yellow stamens
Bloom Size
2–4 inches across
Pad Size
4–6 inches across
Plant Size & Spread
2–3 feet across
Planting Depth (Soil to Water Surface)
6–15 inches
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4–12
Features
- Timeless classic hybridized in 1910
- Produces tulip-shaped, pure-white blossoms
- Cheerful yellow stamens
- Dainty 2–4 inch flowers
- Perfect for container gardens and small ponds
- Free-flowering and easy to grow
- Rewards gardeners with simple elegance
- Dependable performance year after year
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Hermine Hardy Water Lily upon arrival. Many highlight the plants' robust health and careful packaging, ensuring they arrive vibrant and ready for planting. This strong initial quality translates into reliable growth and beautiful blooms, even for novice water gardeners. The lily's ability to thrive and produce stunning flowers with minimal fuss is a recurring theme, underscoring its ease of care and dependable performance. This makes it a highly satisfying addition to any water garden.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is an excellent choice for container gardens. Its compact spread of 2–3 feet and preference for shallow water depths make it well-suited for smaller water features.
For optimal growth, plant the lily so that the soil surface is 6 to 15 inches below the water level. This depth provides the right balance of temperature and light for the plant to thrive.
This plant thrives in full sun. To ensure consistent, free-flowering performance, place your container or pond in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
As a hardy variety, the Hermine is suitable for USDA zones 4–12. In colder regions, ensure the crown of the plant remains below the ice line during winter to protect it from freezing.
The Hermine produces delicate, tulip-shaped blossoms measuring 2–4 inches across. The green pads are relatively small, typically reaching 4–6 inches in diameter.
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$34