Whether it’s a striking bloom color, an unusual leaf pattern, or a plant with a story that spans decades and continents, there are many new—and beautiful—things to see right now in the Waterlily Court. This season’s display highlights several exciting newer waterlily introductions from both local and international hybridizers, welcomes carnivorous pitcher plants to the space for the first time, and includes the return of the prickly-waterlily, a fascinating species that first appeared in the pools in 1957. Read on to meet the standout plants bringing fresh color and unexpected surprises to the Waterlily Court, right now.
Among the new additions to the Waterlily Court is Nymphaea ‘Pixie Dust’, a waterlily that can change its appearance from day to day. Floating in the center pool, this award-winning tropical day-blooming waterlily is known for its unique white petals dusted in blue to pink speckles. Newly opened blooms tend to show stronger blue tones, while older flowers soften into shades of pink, giving ‘Pixie Dust’ an ever-changing, yet always beautiful, look. Hybridized by Florida Aquatic Nurseries, it was named the Best New Tropical Waterlily of 2020 by the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society, and we’re delighted to feature it here for the first time. Plus, we love a plant with a good name—and ‘Pixie Dust’ is such a wonderful description for the speckled beauty of this waterlily’s blooms.
Nymphaea ‘Pixie Dust’, found in the center pool of the Waterlily Court. Photo by Meghan Siano.
Color is also a standout feature of Nymphaea ‘Ring of Fire’, one of the display’s most eye-catching newcomers. Growing in the pool near the Main Conservatory’s Exhibition Hall, ‘Ring of Fire’ is perhaps most recognizable for its high level of variation within both its flowers and leaves. Sometimes, its flowers are yellow with red stripes or streaks. Other times, they come up completely yellow. Its leaves are a very dark burgundy, sometimes with sections of green within them. ‘Ring of Fire’ is a fairly new hybrid from Thailand, and this summer marks the first time it’s been here at Longwood. Its variability, paired with its dramatic leaves, makes it a true showstopper.
Nymphaea ‘Ring of Fire’ features vibrant golden yellow to vibrant red petals, as well as extremely unique burgundy leaves. Photo by Meghan Siano.
Another standout, and new addition to the Waterlily Court, is Nymphaea ‘Siam Orchid’. This award-winning intersubgeneric waterlily gained a lot of attention when it took second place the Best New Hardy Intersubgeneric Waterlily category at the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society competition in 2024. A spectacular hardy-tropical blend, this waterlily is highly regarded for its stunning purple color. While many such hybrids produce star-shaped blooms, this variety forms broader, more rounded, cup-shaped flowers that give it a distinctive presence on the water. Look for it in the pool closest to the Orchid House.
Nymphaea ‘Siam Orchid’ and its stunning purple blooms. Photo by Meghan Siano.
Showcasing cultivars from a wide variety of hybridizers is an important aspect of our waterlily collection. We’re excited to have added a cultivar made by a Pennsylvania-based grower, Aquascapes Unlimited. Standing out with its vivid blue-purple flowers and lovely variegated foliage, you can find Nymphaea ‘Liana’ in the pool closest to the Waterlily Arcade.
Nymphaea ‘Liana’ offers much visual interest. Photo by Meghan Siano.
Not every plant in the Waterlily Court turns heads with spectacular flowers. The aptly named prickly-waterlily (Euryale ferox) has returned this year, reconnecting guests with a species that was featured in displays as far back as 1957. This year serves as the first time it’s been in our revitalized Waterlily Court and it occupies the same corner of the display where it appeared nearly 70 years ago, near the Orchid House.
Native to parts of India and China, the prickly-waterlily is cultivated for its edible seeds, known as foxnuts or makhana, which are dried and roasted or fried like popcorn. The plant’s claim to fame is its prickles that cover both the top and underside of its leaves. Its flowers are easy to miss, appearing small and close to the water’s surface. Each bloom lasts for just a day before disappearing beneath the water, yet the plant continuously sends up new flowers throughout the season. While it may not rival the showier waterlilies nearby, the prickly-waterlily remains one of the display’s most intriguing selections.
The prickly-waterlily offers a beauty all its own. Photo by Meghan Siano.
This summer, guests will find something entirely new planted in the beds of the Waterlily Court: carnivorous pitcher-plants. This is the first time we’ve incorporated these bog-loving plants into the space and planted them in the area outside of the Main Conservatory, where guests can take a closer look. Here, you’ll find several Sarracenia (North American pitcher-plants) species, sundews, and a number of companion plants like cranberry plants and bog orchids.
Guests are often surprised to hear that these pitcher-plants are native to the US and we’re so pleased to offer another chance to encounter another fascinating aspect of aquatic plant life in our Waterlily Court. Photo by Meghan Siano.
From award-winning waterlilies and innovative new hybrids to plants with deep horticultural history, this summer’s Waterlily Court is filled with standouts waiting to be discovered. Together, these new and returning plants showcase the diversity, creativity, and wonder found in the world of aquatics … and we can’t wait for you to see them for yourself.
