The Colorado Hardy Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Colorado') is a spectacular and highly sought-after variety known for its warm peachy-pink flowers and exceptional flowering performance. Its large, star-shaped blooms open above the water surface, creating a stunning focal point in any pond or water garden.

One of the most admired hardy water lilies available, Colorado produces flowers that change in colour as they mature, often displaying beautiful shades of apricot, salmon, peach and soft pink. This unique colouring makes it a standout choice for gardeners wanting something different from traditional white or red water lilies.

Colorado is a vigorous grower that performs best in medium to large ponds, where its attractive green lily pads can spread naturally and provide valuable shade and shelter for fish. Its generous foliage also helps create a healthier pond ecosystem by reducing sunlight reaching the water surface.

Like all hardy water lilies, Colorado naturally becomes dormant during winter before returning each spring with fresh foliage and flowers. With the right position, sunlight and fertilising routine, this reliable variety will reward you with a spectacular display throughout the warmer months.

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 'Colorado'

Flower Colour: Peach, salmon and soft pink tones

Flower Size: Large

Suitable for: Medium to large ponds

Plant Spread: Approximately 120–180 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 Colorado

Stunning peach and salmon-coloured blooms.
A unique colour-changing flower that creates visual interest.
Excellent flowering performance throughout the warmer months.
Large foliage provides shade and shelter for pond fish.
A beautiful feature variety for medium to large ponds.
Hardy and reliable in Australian climates.

Growing Tips

Plant Colorado into a large aquatic planting basket using quality aquatic potting mix. Position the corm with the growing tip exposed and place the basket at a depth of approximately 30–60 cm below the water surface.

Choose the sunniest area of your pond for the best flowering display. Colorado performs best with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Regular feeding with aquatic fertiliser tablets during spring and summer will encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.

Remove old leaves and spent flowers regularly to maintain plant health and keep your pond looking tidy.

During winter, Colorado will naturally enter dormancy. Leave the corm in the pond, and new growth will appear when warmer weather returns.

Perfect For

Medium backyard ponds
Large ornamental ponds
Feature water gardens
Fish ponds
Landscapes needing a colourful focal point
Gardeners wanting a show-stopping water lily

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour is the Colorado water lily?

Colorado produces beautiful peach, salmon and soft pink flowers. The colour can vary as each bloom matures, creating a constantly changing display.

Is Colorado a good water lily for Australian ponds?

Yes. Colorado is a hardy water lily suitable for Australian temperate and cooler climates. It will naturally become dormant in winter and return in spring.

How much sun does Colorado need?

For the best flowering performance, plant Colorado in full sun with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What size pond is Colorado best suited to?

Colorado is best suited to medium and large ponds due to its vigorous growth and larger spread. For smaller ponds, compact varieties such as Hermine or Fabiola may be more suitable.

How is my Colorado water lily supplied?

Colorado 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.

Shop our Range of Hardy Water Lilies

Pond Plantz Time Release Fertilizer

Water lily (Nymphaea water lily) Pink - corm only

Water lily (Nymphaea water lily) White - corm only

Water lily (Nymphaea water lily) Yellow - corm only

Water lily (Nymphaea water lily) Colorado - corm only

Water lily starter pack - 4 corm pack (Nymphaea hardy hybrids)