Black Princess Hardy Waterlily – The Regal Queen of Hardy Lilies

The Black Princess Hardy Waterlily is one of the most dramatic and unusual waterlilies you can add to your pond. This royal beauty, hybridized by Perry D. Slocum, produces goblet-shaped flowers in deep shades of merlot that gradually darken until the inner petals appear almost black by the third day of bloom. With each passing day, this waterlily reveals a new face—cup- or peony-shaped, glowing red in cooler light, or nearly black in the hot sun.

The blooms measure 4.5–6.5 inches across, rising gracefully above green lily pads that begin red and mature to green. Its fragrance is sweet and strong, making it a standout both in the pond and as a cut flower. Whether gracing a medium-sized garden pond or sprawling across a larger water garden, the Black Princess Hardy Waterlily is always a conversation piece.

This hardy waterlily is known not only for its unique coloration but also for its dependability in cool and temperate conditions. It blooms heavily throughout the summer, pausing only during long stretches of extreme heat (95–100°F). Give it space, sunlight, and proper soil, and the Black Princess will reward you with months of unforgettable blooms.

Black Princess Hardy Waterlily Planting and Care

• Planting Depth: 6–24 inches from soil to water surface (shallow depths encourage faster blooming)

• Container Size: At least 16–20 inches wide, or plant directly in a natural, earth-bottom pond

• Soil: Heavy loam topsoil from your yard (never use bagged potting soil, peat, or compost mixes, which float and rot)

• Sunlight Needs: Full sun — 6+ hours daily for strong flowering

• Fertilizer: Insert 3–4 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets around the rhizome every 2 weeks during the growing season (May–September)

• Division: Divide every 1–2 years in spring to maintain vigorous growth and continuous blooms

Special Notes:

• Black Princess thrives in medium to large ponds with plenty of space (3–5 foot spread).

• In small barrels or patio ponds, it remains more compact but still flowers generously.

• This hardy waterlily is suitable for cutting — its unique color and fragrance make it an exceptional indoor display.

Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do plant in a large, wide container or earth-bottom pond with heavy loam soil
✅ Do give this waterlily full, unobstructed sun for maximum flowering
✅ Do fertilize consistently during the growing season
✅ Do enjoy the flowers as cut blooms in vases

❌ Don’t let the plant dry out upon arrival — pot and submerge immediately
❌ Don’t crowd with other lilies or floating plants; the crown and leaves must have space and sunlight to bloom
❌ Don’t cover the crown with gravel or stones — it suffocates the plant
❌ Don’t plant in bagged soil mixes high in peat or compost — they will rot in water

Black Princess Hardy Waterlily – Specifications

• Flower Size: 4.5–6.5 inches across

• Flower Color: Dark red to near black on inner petals

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet fragrance; excellent for cut flowers

• Leaf Size: 5–8 inches, red when young, maturing to green

• Plant Spread: 3–5 feet

• Rhizome Type: Marliac

• Light Requirement: Full sun (6+ hours of direct midday light)

• Depth from Soil to Water’s Surface: 6–24 inches

• Blooming Season: Summer through frost (pauses in extreme heat)

• Shipped As: Live pond plant — will need immediate repotting in a wide aquatic fabric container or earth-bottom pond upon arrival

🌹 The Black Princess Hardy Waterlily is the epitome of elegance and drama. With its near-black blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and dependable growth, it remains one of the most admired cultivars worldwide — and a must-have for serious pond gardeners.