A 1922 introduction that propagates itself. Nymphaea 'August Koch' carries large, fragrant violet-blue flowers over olive-green pads, and it is highly viviparous — new plantlets form on the leaves, so one plant becomes several. It was raised at Garfield Park in Chicago and named for August Koch, who bred it alongside George H. Pring. What You'll Receive You will get 1 young and freshly harvested water lily tuber All of our water lilies tubers/rhizomes have been inspected before ship out and guaranteed they are viable and perfect to grow in a proper pond environment Plant Profile Common name — August Koch Water Lily Scientific name — Nymphaea 'August Koch' Origin — Garfield Park, Chicago, 1922; bred by August Koch and George H. Pring Parentage — Likely 'Blue Beauty' × 'Mrs. Woodrow Wilson' Type — Tropical water lily, viviparous Flower — Large violet-blue, fragrant Foliage — Olive-green pads Placement — Ponds and still-water containers, or tanks 20 gallons and up Care Difficulty — Beginner Sunlight — Full sun; at least 6 hours of direct sun daily Water — 70–80°F Substrate — Heavy clay or loam in a submerged container Planting angle — Tropical tuber: straight up at 90°, crown level with the soil Feeding — Water lily fertilizer tablets pushed into the soil every few weeks through the growing season Overwintering — Tropical. In cool climates lift the plant and store the rhizome in damp sand and peat moss at 50–55°F Propagation — Viviparous plantlets on the leaves; also tuber division Grower's Notes Highly viviparous, which is the practical reason to choose it. Plantlets form on mature pads and can be lifted and potted once they have roots and a leaf of their own. Most lilies only increase by division — this one multiplies through the season on its own. Indoors, light is the whole question. It grows well enough in a tank of 20 gallons or more and will still throw plantlets, but the violet-blue flowers only come under very strong, sun-like lighting run for a long day. Below that, expect pads and plantlets rather than blooms — and expect to trim those pads regularly, because they cover the surface quickly. Over a century in cultivation. A 1922 cultivar that is still sold has earned its place on performance, not novelty. Fragrant as well as blue. Scent is not a given among the blue tropicals, so site it where people sit. Wants still water and real warmth — 70–80°F suits it. Keep the pot clear of fountains and waterfall outflows. Leave old pads in place while plantlets are forming. Tidying them away removes the next generation. New to planting water lilies? Read our complete Water Lily Planting Guide — tuber angle, soil, depth and the one mistake that kills most first lilies. Notes We don't ship dormant roots. Your tuber arrives fresh and actively growing with 1–2 young leaves already emerged — visible proof it's viable before it leaves us. Young pads may start fully submerged and will reach the surface within about a week in good light. Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to keep the water clean — though leave any pad carrying plantlets until they are ready to lift. Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.
