Nymphaea 'James Brydon'

Nymphaea 'James Brydon' is an American cultivar bred in the late 19th century that has remained one of the most popular and widely planted hardy water lilies in the world. Its rounded, cup-shaped flowers in deep rose-red to crimson have an attractive peony-like fullness and are produced in great abundance over a long season. The floating pads are notably decorative — rounded, dark green to purplish-bronze when young, adding ornamental interest even when the plant is not in flower.

One of the most appealing characteristics of 'James Brydon' is its compact growing habit, making it suitable for small to medium ponds where many other red cultivars would be too vigorous. It tolerates partial shade better than most water lily cultivars while still flowering freely. This shade-tolerance makes it one of the few red water lilies suitable for ponds with dappled tree cover.

Established plants increase steadily and should be divided every 3–4 years to maintain peak blooming performance.

Light: Medium-high to full sun; uniquely shade-tolerant among red cultivars — will flower in partial sun. CO2: Not required. Fertilisation: Aquatic fertiliser tabs at planting and once mid-season. Placement: Small to medium ponds at 30–70 cm depth; excellent for smaller or partially shaded water features. Propagation: Divide rhizome in spring every 3–4 years; replant vigorous growing tips.