Cypella aquatilis - Water Orchid, Water Tulip

Regular price £8.95

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  • Approximate height: 30cm (12 inches) 
  • Recommended water depth over crown of plant: 5cm (2 inches)
  • Flowering time: June/July to August
  • Flower colour: Yellow
  • Supplied in the solid 9cm pot we grow them in - for best results we recommend potting on using a 1 - 2 litre pot (1 litre is sufficient, but opt for a 2 litre if it is a windy location where the plant might blow over)

This very rare South American plant - we are the only mail-order growers in the UK to supply it - has thin strap-like leaves, similar to those of a young palm, with beautiful yellow tulip-like flowers in high summer. The leaves are a light to mid-green colour, often with brown tips. A relative of the irises, it is a small plant which grows slowly from a miniature bulb. It is often said to be tender but in fact we have grown this plant here in East Anglia for well over a decade and it survives with no problems at all, provided that its crown remains below the water line in winter to avoid freezing (hence we have suggested a water depth over the soil of 2 inches). It likes warmth so plant it in full sun, and take care that larger, more vigorous, plants do not smother it. 

If designing a planting scheme, we recommend approximately 4 Cypella aquatilis plants per square foot of ground, or 2 plants per linear foot of pond edge. Read more here on how to pot and care for your plant.