Water Lily 'William Falconer'

'William Falconer' is widely considered one of the darkest red water lilies available for the UK climate. It features dramatic, medium-sized, cup-shaped flowers that are a deep, velvety blood-red, becoming almost black towards the centre. The blooms are further enhanced by striking bright yellow stamens and can reach 10-12cm in width. The young foliage emerges a rich burgundy-red before maturing to a deep, bronzy-green. It is a moderately vigorous lily, making it suitable for medium-sized ponds. It prefers a planting depth between 40cm and 75cm. Like most Nymphaea, it requires a calm, still water environment and plenty of sunshine to encourage frequent blooming. It is fully hardy and will survive the winter as a dormant rhizome at the bottom of the pond. Its intense colour provides a brilliant focal point against the water's surface during the peak of summer.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Heavy aquatic loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.