Almost Black Hardy Waterlily – A Rare, Dramatic Beauty

Almost Black Hardy Waterlily brings an air of mystery and elegance to your pond. Its cup-shaped, semi-double blooms glow in dark red and burgundy tones, with inner petals so deep they seem almost black under bright summer sun. As the flowers mature, the color deepens and the bowl-shaped blossoms show a satiny sheen reminiscent of tropical waterlilies. A light, pleasant fragrance drifts across the water, while its compact growth habit keeps leaves close to the rhizome, forming a lush, tidy plant.

This rare variety is the predecessor to the famous Black Princess, and while less prolific, it remains a collector’s treasure and a fascinating addition to medium and large ponds.

Almost Black Hardy Waterlily Planting and Care

• Best Planting Depth: Start at 8–12 inches of water above the soil line until established, then lower to 18–24 inches for full growth.

• Container Size: 14–16 inch wide aquatic fabric pot is recommended, or plant directly in an earth-bottom pond.

• Soil: Use heavy loam topsoil, never bagged compost (which floats and rots).

• Sunlight Needs: Minimum of 6 hours of strong, direct sunlight daily. More light encourages richer color.

• Fertilization: Apply 3–4 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tabs on the 1st and 15th of each month, placed 3–4 inches deep near the rhizome.

• Dividing: Divide and replant every 1–2 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain healthy blooming.

Do’s and Don’ts for Almost Black Hardy Waterlily

✅ Do give this waterlily ample surface area, ensuring its crown receives full sunlight exposure for consistent flowering.
✅ Do plant in heavy loam soil, either in a large pot or directly in an earth-bottom pond.
✅ Do fertilize throughout the growing season for continual blooms until frost.
✅ Do enjoy its subtle fragrance and consider it as a cut flower for short-term indoor display.

❌ Don’t let the plant dry out when unpacking. All parts must remain wet—plant immediately on arrival.
❌ Don’t crowd Almost Black with floating plants or other lilies; shaded crowns will not flower properly.
❌ Don’t use stones or gravel over the rhizome; this smothers growth and reduces blooming.
❌ Don’t expect the same heavy bloom rate as Black Princess—Almost Black is more of a collector’s showpiece.

Almost Black Hardy Waterlily Specifications

• Flower Color: Deep red to burgundy with petals that darken nearly black in sun

• Flower Size: 4–6 inches across, semi-double, cup-shaped

• Fragrance: Light and pleasant

• Blooming Season: Late spring through frost

• Plant Size: Medium-large

• Spread: 3–5 feet

• Lily Pad Size: 5–7 inches, reddish-brown when new, maturing to dark green

• Recommended Container Size: 14–16 inches wide, fabric grow pot or larger

• Depth from Soil to Water’s Surface: 8–24 inches (start shallow, lower once established)

• Sunlight Requirement: Full sun, 6+ hours daily

• Shipped As: Shipped as a Live Pond Plant (will need repotting in a proper aquatic fabric container or planting directly into an earth-bottom pond immediately upon arrival)

Shipping Information

Hardy waterlilies, including the Almost Black Hardy Waterlily, begin shipping in spring at the proper planting time for the least cool-sensitive plant on your order. Orders continue to ship throughout summer until the season ends.

All plants are shipped via 2–3 day service (usually UPS) early in the week to avoid weekend delays. You will receive an email with tracking information on the day your order ships so you can prepare for planting.

Please be ready to plant immediately upon arrival. Minor broken leaves or yellowing in transit are normal; new growth quickly replaces them. For shipping concerns, email photos (including unpacked plants and the packing slip with initials) within 24 hours to pondquestions@gmail.com.