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Ponds & Aquatic Plants

Hardy water lilly suggestions

13 years ago

I currently have four varieties of hardy water lillies in an earthern pond and want to get a couple more. I have a white lilly (not sure of the name, it was labeled attraction), sulphurea (yellow), attraction (red), and sunny pink (I've seen it described as pink or peach). My white and yellow lillies look pretty much like koijoyii's in the thread "My water lillies are gorgeous..." http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/ponds/msg0523465315540.html?8

My attraction is about the same color of mammasue's in the same thread. I haven't found a picture of sunny pink that looks just like mine. The center petals of my sunny pink have more of a yellow cast, with pink outer petals.

Any suggestions on something different to add to my mix? I've been browsing pictures of different varieties, but it seems the pictures don't always match the real thing. Some I've been considering are arc-en-ciel (for its pads - not crazy about the flower), almost black, clyde ikins, Mangkala Ubol. Anyone have any experience with these or have other suggestions? Thanks!

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Comments (5)

lefd05
13 years ago
There could be a number of reasons why your lilies flowers don't look like others pictures.
They could simply not be that particular named lily. Depending on where you purchased them or how you obtained them they could have been mislabeled.
Environmental conditions in your pond can affect flower color sometimes.

As for the lilies you are thinking about getting....I have not had good luck with Arc-en-ciel. I've acquired it 3 times and every time it has died. I think it prefers consistently warmer water temps then I have in my area.
I have Almost Black. For me its a stubborn bloomer but it is certainly a pretty lily. Smells really nice too.
Mangkala Ubol is one of my absolute favorites and it is a good bloomer.
hardin
13 years ago
I can't offer much as I only have one right now. But the one I do have, I like very much. It is a Clyde Ikins. Marbled colored leaves in green and maroon, and the flowers change colors, ivory, yellow, and pink. So far, in its first spring, I have already had 18 blooms already.
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After a horrid time from late 2008 on, many circumstances have us living in a different town & home. The lady that lived here was not a gardener so I have nothing to trade but would love some of your lilys. Can I do postage? I only need a couple, I had to leave my pond behind and am making myself happy with just a half barrel makeshift pond. I would appreciate it! e-mail me at cindikemplin@hotmail.com
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downhere
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the comments. I may be crossing Arc-en-ciel off my list for consideration unless I hear from someone with better luck. Too bad Almost Black doesn't bloom more often and it seems to be on the more expensive end of water lillies. lefd05 have you ever heard of Munkala Ubon, is this a different lily or just a different spelling? I found a website selling this lily that used the same picture as another site that labeled it Mungkala Ubol.

Another lily I have been looking at is Mayla. I understand it is supposed to be an impressive lily.
mammasue
13 years ago
Colorado is my best bloomer. It is a peachy orange color.
lefd05
13 years ago
I'm betting that is just an incorrect spelling on that other website.
Mayla is a very pretty lily. Also a sluggish bloomer for me but worth it.:)
If you are wanting lots of blooms I would stick with known good performers such as Colorado. Pink Sunrise, Amabilis, Gold Medal, Perry's Orange Sunset, Paul Harriot, Denver, Madame Wilfron Gonnere, Hollandia, and Pink Beauty are all good bloomers for me. One lily that I used to have that was a non-stop bloomer was Marliacea Carnea.
These all do well for me in zone 6 high desert.

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