Water Lily ‘Attraction’ (Nymphaea ‘Attraction’) - Large, Deep Crimson Hardy Lily for Medium–Large Ponds (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A classic, richly coloured hardy water lily, Nymphaea ‘Attraction’ bears large, deep crimson-red blooms (often with paler outer petals) over broad green pads from early summer to autumn. Free-flowering and reliable, it’s ideal for medium to larger ponds, where it lays a handsome mosaic of floating leaves that provide surface shade and cool refuge for tadpoles, newts and fry. Flowers are lightly scented and held just above the water for a strong, traditional lily look. Expect blooms around 12-18 cm across, a mature leaf spread of ~1.2-1.5 m, and best performance in still, sunny water at moderate depth. (This is a non-native cultivar grown for ornamental value; manage surface cover sensibly 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 40-80(-90) cm below the surface (start shallower, lower as growth strengthens)

• Setting: Open water beyond the marginal shelf; pair with mixed marginals for additional nectar and season-round structure

Planting & care

• Starter guide: 1 plant per 2-4 m² of open water; aim to 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 help maintain clear, low-nutrient conditions.

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

Truth-first wildlife note:
Water lilies are not major nectar plants, but they offer valuable habitat: surface shade, temperature moderation, and cover for young aquatic life. Combine with single-flowered UK marginals (e.g., Water Mint, Loosestrife, Myosotis) to provide strong nectar across the season.

Joel says…
“‘Attraction’ is big, classic and dependable - crimson flowers on green plates. 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.