Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’: A Stunning Tropical Water Lily for Ponds and Containers
Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ is a tropical water lily that captivates gardeners with its elegant star-shaped flowers and striking, mottled foliage. Often called Carlos Magdalena Water Lily, this cultivar was named in honor of Carlos Magdalena, a horticulturist and plant conservationist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its flowers float above broad lily pads, adding a dramatic display to ponds, water gardens, and container plantings. Plant it in a sunny, protected site, and you will enjoy vibrant blooms throughout the warm season.
Belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae, this cultivar combines ornamental beauty with the prestige of being part of Kew’s living collections. Its tropical heritage means it thrives in warm, frost-free conditions, and with proper care, it provides a stunning centerpiece in any aquatic planting.
Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ Flower Description
The blooms of Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ are large and showy, typically reaching 15–20 cm (6–8 in) in diameter. Each flower has long, slender petals arranged in a star-shaped pattern, creating a delicate yet striking silhouette above the water. The coloration is a mix of soft lilac or purple with white highlights, giving the blooms a luminous, ethereal appearance. As a day-bloomer, the flowers open in sunlight and close at night, providing continuous visual interest during the day.
Flowers emerge from the water on sturdy stalks, usually 15–25 cm (6–10 in) above the water surface. The elevated blooms allow easy observation and make them ideal for cutting and displaying in floral arrangements. Each flower lasts a day, but the plant produces multiple blooms in succession, giving weeks of continuous flowering when conditions are ideal.
Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ Foliage
The lily pads of Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ are broad and round, ranging from 15–25 cm (6–10 in) in diameter. The foliage is mottled with shades of green and purple, adding texture and depth to the water garden even when flowers are not in bloom. The sturdy leaves float on the water surface, shading the pond and helping suppress algae growth by limiting sunlight penetration.
Tropical water lilies like this cultivar are evergreen in warm climates. Their foliage creates a natural, lush backdrop for the flowers and supports pond ecosystems by providing cover for fish and other aquatic life.
Why Grow Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’?
Gardeners choose Carlos Magdalena Water Lily for its show-stopping flowers and ornamental foliage. It performs well in formal and informal water gardens, container ponds, and large tubs. Its star-shaped blooms and vibrant leaf coloration make it a focal point, while its moderate growth habit prevents overcrowding in small water features.
In addition to beauty, this cultivar honors the conservation work of Carlos Magdalena, often referred to as the “Plant Messiah,” who is known for saving critically endangered plants, including Nymphaea thermarum, the world’s smallest water lily. Growing this lily supports the legacy of conservation-minded horticulture while enhancing your water feature.
How to Grow Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’
Growing tropical water lilies like Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ requires attention to light, water, soil, and temperature. Follow these steps for a healthy, flowering plant.
Light
Place the plant in full sun for at least 6–8 hours per day. Adequate sunlight ensures strong growth, vibrant flower color, and regular blooming. Partial shade can reduce flower production and may result in elongated, weak stems.
Soil
Use a heavy, loamy aquatic planting medium. Avoid light garden soil or potting mix, as these float and cloud the water. Enrich the soil with slow-release aquatic fertilizer tablets to feed roots directly. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Planting
Plant tubers in wide containers, approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 in) in diameter and 15–20 cm (6–8 in) deep. Cover the tuber with 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil, leaving the growing tip exposed. Add a layer of gravel on top to prevent soil from washing into the water. Submerge the container in 20–40 cm (8–16 in) of water. Beginners can place the container on pond shelves to control depth and sunlight exposure.
Watering & Temperature
Tropical water lilies need warm, stable water to thrive. Maintain water temperature above 21°C (70°F) for best growth. Cooler water can slow or halt flowering. Ensure water remains clean and well-oxygenated, and avoid overcrowding plants.
Fertilizing
Feed the lily every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Use aquatic plant fertilizer tablets inserted near the roots. Regular feeding supports continuous blooms and healthy foliage. Reduce or stop feeding during cooler months if the plant slows growth.
Maintenance
Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers to prevent decay in the water. Inspect for pests such as aphids, which may settle on leaves above the water. Use gentle spraying or manual removal rather than chemical treatment whenever possible.
Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ Propagation
Propagation occurs primarily through division of tubers. Lift the plant at the end of the growing season, separate offsets from the parent tuber, and replant in fresh soil. Each offset can produce new flowers the following season. Seed propagation is possible but slow and unpredictable for true-to-type characteristics.
Pests & Diseases
Tropical Water Lily Pests:
- Aphids: Remove by spraying gently with water or introducing predator insects.
- Snails and slugs: Handpick or use physical barriers to protect leaves.
- Leaf-mining insects: Remove damaged leaves promptly.
Diseases:
- Crown rot: Prevent by keeping tubers partially above the soil surface and ensuring good water circulation.
- Fungal infections: Minimize by removing decaying foliage and maintaining clean water.
Good hygiene and attentive care keep Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ healthy and flowering profusely.
Flowering Season
As a tropical water lily, Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ flowers continuously throughout the warm months. Each bloom opens during the day, typically in mid-morning, and closes at night. With repeated flowering, your pond remains colorful from late spring until the first cooler days of autumn.
Environmental Tolerances
This cultivar thrives in USDA zones 9–11 or equivalent tropical conditions. It cannot tolerate frost. In temperate regions, lift tubers before winter and store in moist sand or peat at 18–21°C (65–70°F) for overwintering. It tolerates full sun and partial shade but requires calm water to prevent damage to flowers and foliage.
Companion Plants
Pair Carlos Magdalena Water Lily with other tropical aquatic plants such as:
- Pontederia cordata (Pickerel Weed) for vertical accents.
- Canna spp. for bold, architectural leaves.
- Floating ferns or Azolla for surface coverage and nutrient balance.
Complementary marginal plants can include Hosta, Iris pseudacorus, and Cyperus species. These plantings enhance the visual impact of the lily while supporting pond ecology.
Cut-Flower Use
While primarily ornamental in ponds, the flowers can be cut for short-term display. Use scissors to snip blooms in the morning, place in shallow water, and enjoy their delicate star-shaped form indoors for 1–2 days.
Final Notes for Success
Plant Nymphaea ‘Carlos Magdalena’ in sunny, warm conditions with nutrient-rich, heavy soil. Water deeply, maintain proper temperatures, and feed regularly for continuous flowering. Remove decaying leaves and dead flowers to prevent disease. With attentive care, this tropical water lily rewards gardeners with striking star-shaped blooms, colorful foliage, and a dramatic presence in ponds and water features.
