Category: Perennial

Family: Limnocharitacae (Water-poppies)

Origin: South America

Evergreen: Yes

Flower Color: Yellow

Bloom time: Summer

Height: <1 foot

Width: Spreading

Exposure: Full Sun

Irrigation (H2O Info): Aquatic

Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F

Hydrocleys nymphoides 'Venezuelan' (Aquatic) (Venezuelan Water Poppy) - 'Venezuelan' is a selection of the species noted for larger leaves and flowers. Charming waterlily-like, stoloniferous perennial with tufts of thick shiny floating leaves and distinctive solitary lemon-yellow flowers with a red and brown center. Water Poppy flowers have three petals and are a definite poppy shape. The flowers measures 2 to 2.5 inches across and stand above the water and last a day or so but are produced in abundance from July to September. Thick, shiny dark green, broadly heart-shaped leaves; 2 to 4 inches wide leaves on long, trailing stems up to 3 feet long. It will survive in water up to 12 to 15 inches deep, but prefers shallow conditions (6 inches) and prefers rich topsoil. They are especially well suited to patio pool gardens and smaller ponds. Fertilize each month throughout the summer. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate and flower in a fair amount of shade. It is evergreen in frost-free climates and cold hardy to 30-32 degrees. Name origin: Greek, 'hydro' (water) 'kleis' (a key) and 'nymphoides' (like Nymphaea).