Waterlilies (nymphaea) bring beauty, color, habitat and are a great contributor to natural water clarification in a backyard pond. Many Water lilies on the market are hardy (perennial – plant hardiness zones 3 through 11) but are only available in limited color such as white, yellow, peach, pink and some reds. A pond enthusiast is likely to plant tropical water lilies which offer an extended range of colors, textures, sizes and fragrances but unfortunately
, tropical waterlilies are annual plants in colder climates (except far South zone 10 and 11). Water lily grower Turtle Island Waterlilies has been busy developing a line of hybridized HXT™ (Hardy cross Tropical) waterlilies, merging the beauty, fragrances and features of tropical waterlilies into a creation of new hybrid perennial plants adapted for Northern climates. This year is a first in the industry. Three unique hybridized HXT™ waterlilies are released in limited quantities for the collector. Mike Giles, who created the famous disease resistant and super-bloomer ‘SunFire’™ hardy waterlily is the hybridizer behind the scene for the new HXTs™. He states: “It took many years of selection but here they are, profuse continuous bloomers, medium to large flowers in exotic colors, relatively compact plants with nice subtle scents. Fertilize them and watch them bloom.” The plants are available in limited quantities as a trio package on a pre-order basis. Shipping starts the last week of May. The plants are in the process of being patented, so resale restrictions may apply. Available exclusively from www.turtleislandwaterlilies.com
‘Turtle Island Violicious’ – A Vibrant Purple Hardy Water Lily
‘Turtle Island Violicious’® HXT™ is a newly registered Intersubgeneric nymphaea. The result is a hybridization between tropical and hardy nymphaeas highlighting a compact Marliac-Odorata root type. This plant is a great bloomer with a variable flower color usually between blueberry and amethyst but sometimes dark magenta. The flowers are 5″ to 7″, with lemon to apricot centers and purple tipped stamens that shows its tropical parentage. A light tropical scent mixed with some hardy candy sweetness are the signature of ‘Turtle Island Violicious’® HXT™. The plant has strong stems with flowers held high above water, which are great for cut flower arrangements. Expect a medium size plant with bronze or khaki pads that will mature to a dark glossy green. ‘Turtle Island Violicious’® HXT™ has tested hardy through multiple winters under 12 inches of ice and -20° F conditions, with no geothermal effect. The plant will start blooming continuously from spring through sometimes late fall with deeper colors. ‘Turtle Island Violicious’® HXT™ has an unknown shade tolerance. This is a beautiful, vigorous, low maintenance, disease resistant hardy purple waterlily for your special pond.
‘Turtle Island Tropic Star’ – A Prolific Hot Pink Hardy Water Lily
‘Turtle Island Tropic Star’® HXT™ is a newly registered Intersubgeneric nymphaea. The result is a hybridization between tropical and hardy nymphaeas highlighting a compact Marliac-Odorata root type. ‘Turtle Island Tropic Star’® HXT™ grows like a hardy waterlily and is quite a prolific bloomer. Akin to a watercolor painting, the delicate flowers display a fuchsia, pink and red palette with lighter petal bases. This exotic plant has medium flowers between 5″ to 8″ with pineapple center and tangerine stamens that mimic tropical stamens in form. The tips of the stamens are the color of the petals. The fragrance is of a light tropical note with some hardy sweetness. The flowers are held high above the water on good stems and should makes great cut flowers. The plant size is medium in footprint with dark forest to green leaves that start out mahogany. ‘Turtle Island Tropic Star’® HXT™, tested hardy through multiple winters in our ponds under 12 inches of ice and -20° F. Blooming will start later than regular hardies but will be continuous till late fall and may well extend through winter further south with fertilizer. ‘Turtle Island Tropic Star’® HXT™ has an unknown shade tolerance. A beautiful, vigorous and trouble free hot pink HXT™ nymphaea addition for the connoisseur.
‘Turtle Island Fay McDonald’ – An Exquisite Amethyst Blue Hardy Water Lily
‘Turtle Island Fay McDonald’® HXT™ is a newly registered Intersubgeneric nymphaea. The result of selection and hybridization between tropical and hardy nymphaeas highlighting a compact Marliac-Odorata root type. ‘Turtle Island Fay McDonald’® HXT™ grows like a hardy waterlily and is a fantastic bloomer. The flower color will exhibit variation through the season from a slate blue-indigo to a remarkable amethyst medium orchid with soft gradation toward the center and a light petal base. With maturity, expect flowers to grow from 6″ to 9″ with dark dandelion to burnt orange center and tangerine stamens that mimic tropical stamens in form and tips the color of the petals. The fragrance is of a nice tropical note with some lingering hardy sweetness. The flowers hold high above the water on strong stems and makes great cut flowers. This is a medium size plant with medium red-bronze pads that will turn green later in the season. ‘Turtle Island Fay McDonald’® HXT™ has tested hardy in our natural ponds through multiple winters under 12 inches of ice and -20 F and keep coming back. Grows and starts blooming continuously in spring with other hardy lilies and will bloom late in the season like a tropical with increased color saturation. ‘Turtle Island Fay McDonald’® HXT™ has an unknown shade tolerance. A super fine, big bluish-purple flower on a medium size hardy plant for the collector.
