Nymphaea 'Escarboucle'

Nymphaea 'Escarboucle' was introduced by Joseph Bory Marliac in 1909 and has never been surpassed as the finest example of a deep red hardy water lily. The flowers are an extraordinary, luminous wine-crimson to vivid scarlet with contrasting golden stamens — the colour has a jewel-like quality in full sunlight that has earned it first prize at virtually every water lily show it has entered. Blooms are large, star-shaped, and produced in extraordinary abundance over a long season from late spring to early autumn.

The plant is vigorous and grows into a large, spreading specimen requiring a medium to large pond. It is extremely cold-hardy, and established clumps bloom more vigorously with each passing year until they become crowded and require division. The floating pads are broad, dark green, and create a dense, attractive canopy between the blooms.

For the serious water gardener wanting the single best red water lily, 'Escarboucle' remains the answer after more than a century of competitive breeding — it is simply without equal in its colour class.

Light: Full sun mandatory for the colour to reach its full jewel-like brilliance. CO2: Not required. Fertilisation: Generous pond fertiliser tabs at planting and twice during the growing season. Placement: Medium to large ponds at 45–100 cm depth; large planting basket required. Propagation: Divide large rhizomes every 4–5 years in spring, taking the vigorous leading tips.