This is a hardy Water Lily with pale green, rounded leaves 6 inches across. Foliage is bronzed when young. Best grown in undisturbed waters with full sun. ‘William Falconer’ produces cup-shaped flowers 4 to 8 inches across in a very dark red petal with yellow stamens. Its oval leaves are reddish green maturing to green. Commonly referred to as “Water Lilies” these plants have adapted to living in a total water environment. The leaves of these plants are individually supported on leaf stalks called petioles. Water Lily blossoms vary greatly in color and size. They enjoy neutral to alkaline water and grow best in full sun. Planting should be done in water no cooler than 75 degrees F. If the water is too cool the plant will enter a dormant state. The following planting times correspond to each hardiness zone; for Zone 4 plant in mid to late June, Zone 5 plant in early to mid June, Zone 6 plant in late May to early June, Zone 7 plant mid to late May, Zone 8 plant in mid April, Zone 9 plant in early April and for Zone 10 plant March through April.
Google Plant Images: click here!
Characteristics
Cultivar: William FalconerFamily: Nymphaeaceae
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 3 ft.
Plant Category: aquatic plants,
Plant Characteristics:
Foliage Characteristics: medium leaves,
Flower Characteristics: fragrant, showy,
Flower Color: reds,
Tolerances:
Requirements
Bloomtime Range: Mid Summer to Late Summer
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 11
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: 7 to 8.5
Soil Range: Some Sand to Some Clay
Water Range: Wet to Wet
Plant Care
Fertilizing
How-to : Fertilization for Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; or 3. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product.
Light
Conditions : Full Sun Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
Watering
Conditions : Wet Wet is defined as year-round standing water, such as a concave area of the ground or pond.
Planting
Problems
Pest : Aphids Aphids are small, soft-bodied, slow-moving insects that suck fluids from plants. Aphids come in many colors, ranging from green to brown to black, and they may have wings. They attack a wide range of plant species causing stunting, deformed leaves and buds. They can transmit harmful plant viruses with their piercing/sucking mouthparts. Aphids, generally, are merely a nuisance, since it takes many of them to cause serious plant damage. However aphids do produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface growth called sooty mold.
Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymphs in the course of a month without mating. Aphids often appear when the environment changes - spring & fall. They're often massed at the tips of branches feeding on succulent tissue. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and will often hitchhike on yellow clothing.
Prevention and Control: Keep weeds to an absolute minimum, especially around desirable plants. On edibles, wash off infected area of plant. Lady bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden. There are various products - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids. Seek the recommendation of a professional and follow all label procedures to a tee.
Fungi : Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by fungi or bacteria. Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular, with a water soaked or yellow-edged appearance. Insects, rain, dirty garden tools, or even people can help its spread.
Prevention and Control: Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry. Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of. Avoid overhead irrigation if possible; water should be directed at soil level. For fungal leaf spots, use a recommended fungicide according to label directions.
Miscellaneous
Glossary : pHpH, means the potential of Hydrogen, is the measure of alkalinity or acidity. In horticulture, pH refers to the pH of soil. The scale measures from 0, most acid, to 14, most alkaline. Seven is neutral. Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7, an acid range, but there are plenty of other plants that like soil more alkaline, or above 7. A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil. Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients, and therefore do better at a certain pH.
Glossary : Water Plants
Water plants, often called aquatics, thrive when roots are submerged in water or when soil is boggy or constantly wet. Water level will vary depending on the individual plant. Some aquatics thrive in deep water and actually float on the surface, while others are better suited to swampy margins. Know the care and culture of the plants you are using. Some water plants, such as tropical water lilies, may not be hardy where frost is present and should be stored for the winter, while others, such as iris will do just fine.