Alba var. Rubra Waterlily (Nymphaea alba var. rubra)
| Size | 3 Ltr |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Water Lily |
| Sun / Shade | Full Sun |
| Flower Colour | Red |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Native to UK | No |
Alba var. Rubra Waterlily is a bold red pond plant ideal for medium to large ponds, offering vibrant colour, shade and natural algae control.
£36.50 (inc VAT)
Alba var. Rubra Waterlily (Nymphaea alba var. rubra)
A bold and vibrant red waterlily, perfect for adding striking colour and natural balance to larger garden ponds.
The Alba var. Rubra Waterlily (Nymphaea alba var. rubra), often referred to as the Red Waterlily, is a stunning and traditional aquatic plant that delivers rich colour and timeless appeal. Known for its deep red blooms and reliable growth, this variety is ideal for medium to large ponds where it can truly shine as a focal feature.
From June through to September, this waterlily produces large, bowl shaped flowers in dusky rose to deep red tones. The blooms open wide in the sunlight, creating a striking contrast against the reflective water surface and surrounding greenery. The strong colour makes it a fantastic choice for adding depth and visual interest to your pond planting scheme.
The foliage consists of broad, glossy green lily pads that spread generously across the surface, typically reaching between 80 cm and 150 cm. This coverage is not just attractive but also highly beneficial for pond health. By shading the water, the leaves help reduce sunlight penetration, limiting algae growth and maintaining cooler, more stable water conditions.
Alba var. Rubra thrives in full sun and still water environments. For best results, position it away from moving water or splashing features, as calm conditions allow the leaves and flowers to develop properly. Once established, it is a hardy and dependable variety that will return year after year with minimal effort.
This waterlily is also an excellent choice for supporting wildlife. The floating leaves provide shelter and resting spots for amphibians such as frogs and newts, while fish benefit from the shade and protection. The flowers attract pollinators, helping to create a thriving and balanced pond ecosystem.
Fully hardy in UK conditions, Alba var. Rubra is both practical and beautiful. Whether you are creating a natural wildlife pond or a more structured ornamental feature, this variety offers a perfect blend of bold colour, ecological benefit and long lasting performance.
🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.
Key Benefits
- Deep red blooms create a bold visual impact
- Large leaf coverage helps reduce algae growth
- Ideal for medium to large ponds
- Provides shade and shelter for fish and wildlife
- Attracts pollinators and supports biodiversity
- Hardy and reliable in UK conditions
- Long flowering period through summer
Reasons to Buy
- Perfect for creating a vibrant pond focal point
- Adds depth and contrast to planting schemes
- Easy to grow and low maintenance
- Helps maintain clearer and healthier water
- Suitable for both wildlife and ornamental ponds
Care Instructions
- Place the basket into the pond with foliage floating on the surface
- Gradually lower to the final planting depth as the plant grows
- Position in full sun for best flowering results
- Avoid placing near fountains or splashing water
- Remove dead leaves and spent flowers regularly
- Divide every few years to maintain strong growth
Flowering Period
June to September
Size and Growing Conditions
Botanical Name: Nymphaea alba var. rubra
Common Name: Alba var. Rubra Waterlily
Plant Type: Lily
Flower Colour: Red
Spread: 80cm to 150cm
Depth: 50cm to 100cm
Growth Habit: Rooted with floating leaves
Growth Rate: Moderate
Position: Full sun
Water Type: Still or slow-moving water
Hardiness: Fully hardy in UK conditions
Native to the UK: No
Dispatching Your Pond Plants
Your Alba var. Rubra Waterlily will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.
Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.
To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.
Available basket sizes:
- 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm
Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.
Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.
Water lily: This Nymphaea is part of our UK-grown water lily collection.





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