Page 377 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

WATER LILIES AND LOTUSES 375

Nymphaea ‘Black Princess’ Nymphaea ‘Froebeli’
Black Princess Froebeli

ORIGINS Resulted from cross-breeding between a red ORIGINS This cultivar was developed from a seedling of
hardy water lily and a blue tropical variety. N. alba var. rubra.
SIZE Leaves spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m). SIZE Leaves may spread to about 3 ft (1 m).
WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy
to –30°F (–34°C). to –30°F (–34°C).
PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start of the PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start of the
growing period. growing period.
With its highly distinctive deep-red double This late-flowering variety is an example of the
flowers, which centrally appear blackish and dedication that can be involved in breeding
measure about 5.5 in (14 cm) in diameter, this water lilies. It was created in the 19th century
free-flowering water lily has become very popular, over a period of 40 years by its creator, Otto
since being created in the US by Perry Slocum Froebeli of Zurich, who started from a
in about 1998. It is the darkest water lily currently single seedling. Its petals should be
available, with its nearest rival being Nymphaea burgundy-red, offset against orange-red
‘Almost Black,’ and has proved to be very hardy stamens with yellow anthers. The squarish
and vigorous, in spite of its part-tropical ancestry. blooms are about 4 in (10 cm) across. The leaves
are bronze when they first unfurl and then turn
green. They are relatively small, rarely exceeding
6 in (15 cm) in width. ‘Froebeli’ flowers
freely, creating an impressive display,
and it is especially suitable for
growing in colder areas, although it
prefers a sunny site. This cultivar
can even be grown successfully in a
patio tub, where fish may be housed
temporarily over the summer.

Nymphaea ‘Gonnère’ Nymphaea ‘René Gérard’
Gonnère René Gérard

ORIGINS Bred from N. tuberosa ‘Richardsonii’ crossed ORIGINS Ancestry is unclear; this variety was produced
with another water lily of unknown origins. by Joseph Latour-Marliac’s breeding program.
SIZE Leaves may spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m). SIZE Leaves may spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m).
WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Hardy
to –30°F (–34°C). to –30°F (–34°C).
PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start of the PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start
growing period. of the growing period.
Created at the Latour-Marliac nursery in France
in 1914, ‘René Gérard’ has endeared itself to
pond enthusiasts because of the ease with
which it can be grown. Another factor
underlying its popularity is its free-flowering
nature. The star-shaped blooms are relatively large
compared to the leaves, measuring up to 9 in (23
cm) in diameter. The lightly fragranced flowers
are predominantly rose pink, with darker flecking
especially evident on the outer petals. The central
area of the flower is a crimson shade, while the
stamens are yellow. Variable darker streaking
This variety is often available under the name extends into the pale pink areas, although this
of ‘Snowball.’ It has ball-shaped white flowers inconsistency in coloring does not have universal
with upward-curving petals and dark green leaves appeal. At the back of the green, almost circular
that measure up to 10 in (25 cm) across. leaves there is a deep, V-shaped indentation.
Although it grows vigorously, it has a short Mature leaves typically reach up to about 11 in
flowering season. Like all water lilies, it may (28 cm) in diameter; new leaves display an
take a year or two to become established. attractive bronzy tone on their upper surface.

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