A Guide to Growing Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ in Your Water Garden
Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ is one of the most remarkable tropical waterlilies you can grow. Known by gardeners and pond keepers for its unusual flower color, this variety pairs smoky blue edges with chartreuse centers, creating a striking contrast rarely seen in aquatic plants. Belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae, it was first hybridized by Martin Randig in 1965 and has remained a favorite ever since. The flowers are not only visually unique but also fragrant, adding a sensory layer to any water garden.
This waterlily is a day-blooming variety, which means the blossoms open in the morning and close by late afternoon. Each flower rises above the water’s surface and can reach 15–25 cm (6–10 in) in diameter, large enough to make an impression even in bigger ponds. With its lush foliage, distinctive blooms, and reliable summer display, Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ earns its place as a centerpiece in both small water features and larger aquatic landscapes.
The Unique Appeal of Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’
What makes Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ stand out among tropical waterlilies is its flower color. The petals start with a yellow-green, almost chartreuse base, and fade to smoky blue or bluish-purple at the tips. This transition gives the blooms a misty, atmospheric quality that inspired the name ‘Green Smoke.’ Unlike some lilies with flat, wide flowers, these blooms are cup-shaped and held above the water, which gives them greater visibility.
The foliage is equally striking. Leaves emerge coppery-bronze with purple spots and then mature to green with bronze speckling and wavy edges. Each pad can grow to 30 cm (12 in) across, and the spread of the plant can extend up to 1.8 m (6 ft) in a pond. The undersides of the leaves show purplish-green tones with darker purple flecking, making them attractive even when floating flat against the water.
Beyond looks, Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ has a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Gardeners who enjoy scent as much as visual beauty will find this cultivar especially rewarding.
Growth Habit and Blooming Season
This tropical lily thrives in warm water and long summer days. In USDA Hardiness Zone 10, it can remain in growth throughout the year, but in cooler climates it grows as a seasonal feature. Plant it in late spring or early summer once water temperatures are reliably above 21°C (70°F). From that point, expect flowers from early summer until autumn. In warm climates, blooming can last from June into October, with fresh blossoms appearing daily during the season.
Since it is a tropical waterlily, Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ cannot survive freezing conditions outdoors. Gardeners in temperate regions must either treat it as an annual, replanting each year, or take steps to overwinter the tubers indoors.
How to Grow Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’
Light
Place Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ in a spot where it receives full sun for at least 6 hours per day. More sun will encourage stronger flowering and prevent sparse growth. Insufficient light often leads to weak foliage and few blooms, so avoid shaded corners of a pond or areas overshadowed by trees.
Soil
Plant it in heavy loam, clay soil, or an aquatic planting medium designed for pond plants. Avoid lightweight potting soil or mixes with high organic matter, as they will float and cloud the water. Always top the soil with a thin layer of gravel to prevent fish from disturbing it.
Watering and Water Depth
Since this is an aquatic plant, the concern is not watering but placement. Lower the container so that 15–60 cm (6–24 in) of water sits above the crown. Shallow placement encourages faster establishment, while deeper placement supports mature plants during summer growth. Maintain warm water temperatures between 21–29°C (70–85°F) for best results.
Fertilizing
Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ is a heavy feeder. Insert aquatic fertilizer tablets into the soil around the roots every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Regular feeding ensures continuous flowering and strong foliage. Never add fertilizer directly into the pond water, as it can harm fish and upset the balance of the ecosystem.
Container Size
Use a large aquatic pot, ideally 35–45 cm (14–18 in) wide or more, to give the roots and tubers enough room to spread. A large container also prevents overcrowding and reduces the frequency of dividing.
Propagation of Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’
Like other waterlilies, Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ propagates through division. Mature plants form new tubers that can be separated in spring or early summer. Lift the plant from the water, remove the soil, and cut away firm, healthy tubers. Replant each division into its own container, making sure the crown sits just above the soil line. Place back into shallow water until new growth appears, then gradually lower the containers to their final depth.
Pests and Diseases
Pests can occasionally trouble Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke,’ especially in summer. Aphids are the most common, clustering on buds and young leaves. A strong spray of water often knocks them off, or you can treat with a diluted horticultural oil spray that is safe for aquatic use.
Other potential issues include leaf miners, which tunnel through pads, leaving brown streaks. Remove affected leaves to prevent spreading. Watch for fungal leaf spots or crown rot in poorly aerated ponds. Always maintain good water quality and remove decaying foliage to reduce problems.
Overwintering Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’
In climates where ponds freeze, you cannot leave tropical waterlilies outdoors. Bring the plant indoors before the first frost. Two main approaches exist:
- Keep the plant growing – Place the pot in a heated indoor pond or aquarium with supplemental lighting.
- Store the tubers dormant – Remove the tubers, clean them, and pack them in damp sand or peat moss. Store them at 10–15°C (50–60°F) in a dark location until spring.
In spring, replant the tubers or return the container to the pond once water temperatures reach 21°C (70°F).
Best Uses in the Garden
Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ makes a dramatic statement in both small and large ponds. Its unusual coloring draws attention as a focal point, while its fragrance enhances the sensory experience of a water garden. In tubs or containers, it creates a tropical effect even on patios or balconies. Since the plant spreads up to 1.8 m (6 ft), it works best in medium to large water features where it has space to shine.
Avoid placing it near fountains or waterfalls, since splashing water can damage flowers and leaves. Calm, still ponds allow the blooms to show at their best.
Why Choose Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’?
Gardeners select this cultivar for several reasons:
- Unique chartreuse-and-smoky-blue flowers.
- Strong fragrance that perfumes the garden.
- Day-blooming habit with a long summer season.
- Attractive speckled foliage that adds texture.
- Medium spread, large enough for visual impact but manageable in a pond.
With proper care, this waterlily rewards you with daily blooms throughout the warm months.
