Water Lilies and Lotuses

The hardy water lilies begin their bloom in late April, heightening into summer before the appearance of the lotus and tropical water lilies. These water lilies are species and hybrids adapted to temperate regions of the world, surviving as perennials able to overwinter in cold climates.

The plants and blooms of tropical water are displayed from summer into the late fall. The diversity of plants found here has different but overlapping periods of peak bloom during the season. Despite being perennials in their native warm climates, these water lilies are planted at the beginning of summer and bloom continuously until frost stops them late in the season.

The blooming collection of lotuses located in the Conservatory Courtyard Pools is one of the great summer floral spectacles. Look for them to reach peak bloom in mid July.