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Genus Victoria (Giant waterlily)

Victoria Victoria cruziana Photo/Illustration: Trey Styler
Common Name: Giant waterlily
Victoria is a genus of giant waterlilies that are rhizomatous, deep-water plants from the backwaters of the Amazon River. From thick rhizomes come enormous round, floating leaves, sometimes to 8 feet across and able to support a person's weight. Flowers bloom at night. They resemble waterlilies and have a pineapple scent. The size of these plants makes them suitable only for large pools in a tropical garden, or in a heated pool in a warm greenhouse. The genus is comprised of two species.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Enormous floating leaves. Night-blooming, fragrant flowers.
 Care: Grow in a pool in full sun in at least 3 feet of water.
 Propagation: Collect seeds when ripe and store in water over the winter. Then, in late winter, sow at 84-90°F, covering seeds with 2 or 3 inches of water.
 Problems: Infrequent.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Victoria

Victoria cruziana Victoria cruziana
(Santa Cruz waterlily) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This giant waterlily produces massive, floating mid-green lily pads that can reach up to 8 feet across and can support the weight of a small adult. Its leaves are reddish purple and softly hairy on the underside. The ephemeral, pineapple-scented blooms appear in summer, lasting only two nights. The 16-inch flowers are white the first night, turning pink on the second night.