David Hardy Water Lily (nympaea) - Corm only

The David Hardy Water Lily (Nymphaea 'David') is a beautiful and reliable hardy water lily featuring elegant orangey pink flowers that fade as the flower ages. Its delicate blooms sit gracefully above the water surface, creating a peaceful, natural look that suits a wide range of backyard ponds and water gardens.

David produces attractive floating lily pads that provide valuable shade for fish and help create a healthier pond environment. Its classic colouring makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a refined flowering feature without overwhelming the pond.

With its moderate growth habit, David is well suited to small to medium-sized ponds and is a great option for both new and experienced pond keepers. Like all hardy water lilies, it naturally enters winter dormancy before returning in spring with fresh foliage and a new season of flowers.

For the best flowering performance, plant David in full sun and feed regularly during the warmer months with aquatic fertiliser tablets. With the right conditions, this hardy variety will provide beautiful blooms throughout the growing season.

Please Note: Water Lily Corms Supplied Only

This water lily is supplied as a dormant corm only, not as a potted plant.

Your water lily will arrive ready to plant into an aquatic basket using quality aquatic potting mix. Once planted and placed at the correct depth in your pond, it will establish roots and produce fresh leaves and flowers during the growing season.

Supplying water lilies as dormant corms allows us to send healthy plants safely and helps them establish naturally in their new environment. With the right planting depth, sunlight and fertiliser, your water lily will reward you with beautiful blooms season after season.

Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Nymphaea 'David'

Flower Colour: Orange - Pink Blush

Flower Size: Medium

Suitable for: Small to medium ponds, backyard ponds and water gardens

Plant Spread: Approximately 90–120 cm

Planting Depth: Submerge 30–60 cm below the water surface

Sun Requirements: Flowers best in full sun (minimum 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily)

Climate: Suitable for cold climates and returns each spring after winter dormancy

Flowering Season: Spring to autumn

Why We Recommend David

• Elegant white flowers with subtle pink tones.
• A timeless variety that suits many pond styles.
• Ideal size for small to medium backyard ponds.
• Provides shade and shelter for fish.
• Hardy and reliable year after year.
• Easy-care variety suitable for beginner pond keepers.

Growing Tips

Plant David into a wide aquatic planting basket using heavy aquatic potting mix. Position the corm so the growing tip remains exposed above the soil before slowly lowering the basket to the recommended depth of 30–60 cm below the water surface.

For the best flowering display, position David in a sunny area of your pond where it receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Regular feeding with aquatic fertiliser tablets during spring and summer will encourage healthy foliage and more frequent blooms.

Remove older yellowing leaves and spent flowers throughout the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.

During winter, David will naturally become dormant. Leave the corm in the pond and new leaves will emerge as temperatures increase in spring.

Perfect For

• Small backyard ponds
• Medium garden ponds
• Formal water gardens
• Fish ponds
• Cottage-style gardens
• Beginner pond keepers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is David a hardy water lily?

Yes. David is a hardy water lily that can tolerate cooler conditions and will naturally go dormant during winter before returning each spring.

What colour are David water lily flowers?

David produces elegant flowers with soft pink tones, creating a subtle and classic look on the water surface.

How much sunlight does David need?

For the best flowering results, David should be planted in full sun with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Can David be grown in a small pond?

Yes. David has a moderate growth habit and is suitable for small to medium ponds, provided it has adequate depth and sunlight.

How is my David water lily supplied?

David is supplied as a dormant corm only. It is not supplied as a potted plant and will need to be planted into an aquatic basket before being placed in your pond.