Water Lily ‘Perry’s Almost Black’ (Nymphaea ‘Perry’s Almost Black’) - Deep Burgundy-Red Lily (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A sensational deep burgundy-red hardy lily, Nymphaea ‘Perry’s Almost Black’ opens with dark, many-petalled blooms that can read near-black in cool light, floating above handsome green pads. Flowering from early summer into autumn, it lays a rich mosaic of surface shade, giving cool refuge for tadpoles, newts and fry while delivering high theatre on the pond. Expect flowers around 12-16 cm across and a mature leaf spread of ~1.0-1.4 m in still, sunny water at moderate depth. Suits small-medium to medium ponds where strong colour is the brief. (A non-native cultivar grown for ornamental value; keep overall leaf cover sensible for pond balance.)

Where it thrives

• Light: Full sun (tolerates light/partial shade with fewer flowers)

• Water/Depth: Still to very slow-moving water; set crown roughly 30-60(-80) cm below the surface (start shallower, lower as growth strengthens)

• Setting: Open water beyond the marginal shelf; frame with low native plants for a natural look

Planting & care

• Plant rhizome in a mesh aquatic basket using peat-free aquatic compost; top-dress with washed grit, then lower so pads can reach the surface.

• Starter guide: 1 plant per ~1-2 m² of open water; keep total leaf cover ≤ one-third of the surface.

• Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers through the season to keep water sweet.

• Lift and divide every 3-4 years (warm months) to refresh vigour and manage spread.

• Use rainwater where possible and avoid fertilisers to maintain clear, low-nutrient conditions.

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental/wildlife use only - do not ingest. Rhizomes are tough; use gloves and a sharp knife when dividing. Never release plants or pond water into natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Lilies aren’t heavy nectar plants, but they’re superb habitat builders: surface shade, temperature moderation, and cover for young aquatic life. For nectar, surround the shelf with single-flowered UK natives (e.g., Water Mint, Purple Loosestrife, Myosotis).

Joel says…
“Deep wine-red plates with attitude - ‘Perry’s Almost Black’ is pond drama done right. Give it sun, keep cover to a third, and divide when the rhizome gets chunky.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are ordering perennials between the months of October and March, including aquatic plants, please be aware that this is the dormant phase for perennials, so your plants may arrive showing potentially little or no top growth at this stage, or can in some cases still have some old leaves from last year showing also. Please don't worry, as this is all quite normal. Once the weather warms up in spring, you will start to see fresh growth and activity! If you ever have any concerns at all, please just message the team on enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and we'll always do our best to help.