Viviparous Water Lily Rhonda Kay

[Really full garden]

I recently built a new lily pond and of course had to buy new water lilies. Rhonda Kay is a star type tropical day bloomer that blooms in clusters that are held 12-15 inches above the surface. It is also very viviparous. It forms new plants on mature lily pads. I have had viviparous lilies before but nothing like this one. It forms very complete,perfect little replicas ,even with mini flower buds.

The flower is more violet colored than the photo indicates.

 

 

[tropicbreeze]

Looks rather neat. Haven't seen any like that. Some of our Nymphoides species flower from that same position in the leaf but I've never noticed any producing plantlets there.

[Silas_Sancona]

Tropical Waterlilies are one of my favorite groups of water plants, especially blue/ purple or bright red/ fragrant flowering cultivars. Have seen some really outstanding,  supposedly newer temperate X tropical cultivar listings in the last few years from a couple places. I think there was even a purplish flowering variety out there can supposedly survive cooler water temps/ locations.  Thanks for sharing Scott.

[annafl]

This is a tropical variety we have in our little pond.  It's called Wood's Blue Goddess.  It really stands up high with huge blooms and flowers almost every day of the year here, except when re-potted.  Lovely variety too.  More blue/lavender than your beautiful purple.

[Really full garden]

11 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Tropical Waterlilies are one of my favorite groups of water plants, especially blue/ purple or bright red/ fragrant flowering cultivars. Have seen some really outstanding,  supposedly newer temperate X tropical cultivar listings in the last few years from a couple places. I think there was even a purplish flowering variety out there can supposedly survive cooler water temps/ locations.  Thanks for sharing Scott.

I noticed many new varieties in the semi tropical group while shopping. I had water lilies when I lived in Houston,Tx. At that time Houston was in climate zone 8B. My tropical night bloomers always made it through the winters. They were also the last to stop blooming in late fall.

I now do not have to deal with cold temps but in my cool highland climate the tropical day bloomers struggle and slowly lose vigor. I have eventually ended up several colors of night bloomers. They really seem to thrive even with the perpetual spring climate.

All of my tropical day bloomers and Victorias reside in my beach garden. There the temperatures are hot and the pond temperature is like warm pea soup.

[Really full garden]

52 minutes ago, annafl said:

This is a tropical variety we have in our little pond.  It's called Wood's Blue Goddess.  It really stands up high with huge blooms and flowers almost every day of the year here, except when re-potted.  Lovely variety too.  More blue/lavender than your beautiful purple.

Really nice water lily. I have one that is similar named King of Siam. It has mottled leaves that add interest even when not in bloom.

[Really full garden]

Here are a few photos of my main lily pool at the beach. You can see why I had to build another pool. This one was PACKED.

[annafl]

It's gorgeous, Scott!  Yes, I can see it's packed, but everything in it looks very healthy and happy!  What a lovely home and garden, too!  Thanks for sharing.