Tropical water lily (Nymphaea 'Director George T. Moore')

Overview

Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ is a stunning tropical water lily highly valued in aquatic gardens for its continuous bloom display from summer until the first frost. This cultivar presents spectacular, open star-shaped flowers in a deep violet-purple hue, held proudly above the water surface on strong stems. As an herbaceous perennial, the Tropical water lily requires specific warm cultural conditions, thriving only in USDA Zones 10-11 outdoors. Gardeners appreciate Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ not only for its vibrant color but also for its substantial spread, which beautifully covers water features with attractive foliage.

This day-blooming variety features flowers reaching up to 10 inches in diameter, characterized by bright yellow centers that contrast sharply with the rich purple petals. The leaves are large, oval-rounded, and often exhibit subtle purple blotching, creating excellent visual texture on the water’s surface. Growing the Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ successfully centers on providing consistent warmth and sufficient nutrients throughout the growing season.

For those outside the tropical zones, this beautiful plant can be treated as an annual or its tubers can be carefully overwintered indoors. Regardless of season extension efforts, the dramatic effect created by a mature Tropical water lily ensures it remains a focal point in any pond or water garden setting.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Nymphaeaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 5-8 ft
• Bloom Time: June to frost
• Bloom Description: Violet purple
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Wet
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting tropical water lilies like Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ is best done in spring once the water temperature consistently reaches 75°F; temperatures below 70°F risk dormancy or death. Tubers should be placed in containers, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the soil surface, and then submerged in 6 to 12 inches of still water. Full sun is ideal for maximum flowering, though Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ tolerates light shade while still producing respectable blooms.

Ongoing care for this Tropical water lily requires dedication to fertilization, as it is a heavy feeder. To encourage continuous blooming from June into frost, insert fertilizer tablets directly into the container soil every two to four weeks. Water levels must remain constant; ensure the plant is situated deeply enough but avoids excessively cold water when first placed in the pond.

Winterizing Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ is crucial in borderline climates. If grown as an annual, simply allow plants to die after the first frost. Alternatively, tubers can be lifted after the first frost, cleaned, dried briefly, and stored cool (around 50°F) over winter in moist sand or jars of distilled water in a basement. Tubers must be divided, dusted with fungicide, and repotted about a month before returning them to the water garden in spring.

Landscape Uses

Tropical water lilies are inherently spectacular features, making them prime candidates for centerpieces in water gardens, tub gardens, and smaller ponds. Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ serves as an excellent focal point where its large, colorful flowers can be easily admired rising above the water. Because these plants spread significantly, spreading 5 to 8 feet eventually, plan their placement to allow ample surface coverage without crowding out other aquatic features.

When integrating this plant, consider its height profile—flowers typically extend above the water surface, unlike some hardy varieties. This characteristic makes them ideal for placement near edges where they can be viewed from above. While Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ is primarily a water plant, its dense foliage provides excellent shade and cover for fish in a pond ecosystem.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Nymphaea is a genus of about 50 species of herbaceous aquatic perennials found worldwide that are grown for their spectacular flowers. Tropical water lilies can be either day-flowering or night-flowering and generally their flowers extend above the water. ‘Director George T. Moore’ is a fragrant, day-blooming, medium-sized, free-flowering, tropical water lily that features violet-purple, open star-shaped flowers (to 7-10” diameter) with yellow centers. Flowers bloom continuously from summer into fall, with each flower opening in the morning, closing at night, and lasting about 3-4 days on a stalk above the water surface. Oval-rounded, green leaves, sometimes purple blotched, float on the water, showcasing purple undersides with defined green veins.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

Generally, this Tropical water lily variety suffers from no serious insect or disease issues, indicating robust health under proper conditions. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for opportunistic pests such as leaf mining midges and aphids, which can become troublesome in certain environments. Monitoring foliage regularly allows for prompt treatment, often involving targeted insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, before populations significantly impact the beauty of the Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tropical water lily suitable for?

Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ is hardy only in USDA Zones 10 and 11, requiring special winter protection or annual replanting elsewhere.

How large does Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ grow?

This specimen typically reaches a height of 0.25 to 0.5 feet while spreading widely across the water surface from 5 to 8 feet wide.

What sun exposure does the Tropical water lily need?

For optimal performance and the most prolific flowering, Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ requires full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade.

When does the Tropical water lily bloom?

The bloom time for this variety extends from June, continuing until the first frost occurs, featuring striking violet purple flowers.

Conclusion

The Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ provides exceptional aesthetic value with its continuous display of large, star-shaped violet-purple flowers rising above the water. As a vigorous Tropical water lily, it demands warm water and consistent feeding to reach its full potential. Before planting, ensure your water temperatures are adequate, or plan ahead for successful overwintering of your beautiful Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’ tubers.

Companion Planting

Choosing companions for your water lily requires selecting other aquatic plants that share similar temperature and water depth requirements. Water hyacinths or water lettuce provide excellent floating cover during the summer, which can help shade the water and keep temperatures stable for the Tropical water lily roots, especially during intense heat spells. Submerged oxygenators, such as Vallisneria, are beneficial as they improve overall water quality without competing directly with the surface-level Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring preparation begins by reintroducing tubers once water temperatures reliably hit 75°F; repotting old tubers allows for necessary division and sanitation before they enter the water garden. Summer is the peak maintenance period, where consistent, bi-weekly applications of solid fertilizer tablets are non-negotiable for sustained blooming of the Nymphaea ‘Director George T. Moore’. As fall approaches and temperatures drop, prepare for overwintering by either removing the pots or protecting the tubers before the first damaging frost arrives in your region.