Star of Zanzibar Tropical Water Lily

The Star of Zanzibar Water Lily is one of the most striking tropical waterlilies, created by hybridizer Rich Sacher. Its stellate (star-shaped) blooms shine in radiant shades of amethyst purple, standing 4–6 inches above the water’s surface on strong stems. Each bloom is paired beautifully with richly mottled pads, combining green and purple in an eye-catching display.

With a spread of 4–6 feet, the Star of Zanzibar Water Lily is a prolific bloomer that will dazzle your pond or water garden with flower after flower throughout the summer, continuing right up until frost. Always a favorite among collectors, this lily is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any water feature.

🌱 Planting & Care Instructions

• Star of Zanzibar Water Lily Size: Medium-Large tropical variety

• Star of Zanzibar Water Lily Spread: 4–8 feet, depending on fertilization and container size

• Container Size of the Star of Zanzibar Water Lily: Large 3–7 gallon fabric pond pot (or larger) recommended

• Depth of the Star of Zanzibar Water Lily: Best blooming at 6–16 inches below the water surface; tolerates up to 24 inches, though deeper planting reduces flowering

• Soil: Heavy loam soil only (never aquatic planting media, pea gravel, stones, or compost-heavy bagged soils). If loam isn’t available, use PondGro Aquatic Loam Soil, with up to 40% clean sand.

• Fertilizing your Star of Zanzibar Water Lily:

  • Waterlily World Fertilizer Tabs (easy press-in tablets) every 15 Days.

  • Apply 4–5 tablets per feeding for vigorous growth and heavy blooming.

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet scent

• Winter Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–12 (annual elsewhere)

📦 Seasonal Shipping Information for Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical water lilies are often ready a few weeks later than hardy pond plants in spring. They typically ship between May and August/September, when warm conditions ensure healthy establishment.

• If your order includes a tropical waterlily, the entire order will be held until the tropical is available.

• To receive other pond plants sooner, please place two separate orders.

• In northern regions, tropical waterlilies are generally available just as it becomes safe to ship pond plants to your area.

💡 PondMegastore Tip: For show-stopping results, start Star of Zanzibar shallow (6–12 inches deep), then lower gradually once established. Consistent feeding ensures bloom after bloom until frost.

✅ Do’s & ❌ Don’ts for Star of Zanzibar Water Lily

Do’s
✅ Use a 2–7gallon (or larger) wide, shallow pond pot
✅ Plant only in heavy loam soil
✅ Fertilize regularly with 3–5 tablets every 3 weeks
✅ Keep crown 6–16 inches deep for best flowering
✅ Provide full sun (6+ hours daily)

Don’ts
❌ Don’t use aquatic media, compost-based soils, pea gravel, or stones
❌ Don’t bury the growing point—keep it exposed to sunlight
❌ Don’t plant too deep (over 24 inches) if you want abundant blooms
❌ Don’t skip fertilizing—this lily is a very heavy feeder