Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily – A Small Red Gem for Ponds & Containers

The Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily is a true classic in the world of pond plants. Hybridized by Perry Slocum in 1983, this hardy water lily produces charming, cup-shaped blooms with rich, rosy-red petals that lighten gracefully toward the outer edges. Its heart-shaped green pads begin as purple-brown before maturing to a soft green, creating a striking contrast with the deep red blossoms.

Compact and reliable, Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily is a prolific bloomer from late spring through frost. Its petite 18–28 inch spread makes it a wonderful choice for small ponds, patio tubs, and container water gardens. The lightly fragrant flowers often appear in abundance, ensuring you’ll never see just one bloom at a time.

If you’re searching for a hardy water lily with brilliant color and reliable performance in limited space, this variety is a must-have!

Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily Proper Planting and Care

• Container Size: Plant in a 12–14 inch wide container (fabric aquatic pots recommended).

• Soil Type: Use heavy loam topsoil only (avoid bagged soils with compost, which float and rot in water).

• Depth from Soil to Water Surface: Best grown 5–20 inches deep in the pond.

• Sunlight Needs: Requires 6+ hours of strong, direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms.

• Bloom Season: Steady blooms from late spring through frost when properly planted and fertilized.

Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily Fertilizing Schedule

• Fertilize on the 1st and 15th of each month throughout the growing season (April–September).

• Insert 2–3 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets into the soil, 3–4 inches deep near the crown.

• Regular feeding ensures continuous red blossoms and healthy, vibrant foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts for Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily

✅ Do:

• Plant in heavy loam soil in a proper aquatic container or earth-bottom pond.

• Provide full, direct sun for the best flowering results.

• Divide rhizomes every 1–2 years to prevent overcrowding.

• Keep roots and stems moist during unpacking and plant immediately upon arrival.

❌ Don’t:

• Do not use bagged compost soils, pea gravel, or stones — they suffocate or starve the rhizome.

• Do not overcrowd this lily with floating plants or other lilies — it needs clear surface space for light and flowering.

• Do not let the plant dry out; hardy waterlilies are sensitive to dehydration when out of water.

• Do not plant too shallowly; blooms are most attractive when floating naturally on the water’s surface.

Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily Shipping Information

At Pond Megastore, we ship all hardy water lilies, including Perry’s Baby Red, beginning in spring at the proper planting time for the least cold-sensitive plant on your order.

• Orders continue shipping throughout summer across the USA.

• Early pre-season orders ship first (April–May).

• Plants ship by 2–3 day service (usually UPS) at the start of each week.

• You’ll receive an email with tracking information the day your order ships so you can be ready to plant immediately.

📸 Minor yellow leaves or bent stems are normal during shipping and are quickly replaced by new growth. For any concerns, email photos (plants unpacked + packing slip with initials) within 24 hours to pondquestions@gmail.com.

Specifications: Perry’s Baby Red Hardy Waterlily

• Flower Color: Rich rosy-red with lighter outer petals

• Bloom Size: 3–4 inches across

• Pad Color: Green, starting purple-brown with red blotches

• Fragrance: Light

• Plant Size: Small

• Spread: 18–28 inches

• Container Size: 12–14 inch wide pot recommended

• Depth from Soil to Water Surface: 5–20 inches

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily, especially midday)

• Bloom Season: Late spring until frost

• Shipped As: Live pond plant (must be repotted in a proper aquatic container or planted in an earth-bottom pond immediately upon arrival)

• Hybridizer: Perry Slocum (1983)

• USDA Zones: Winter hardy in Zones 4–12