Perry's Almost Black Live Perennial Water Lily - Dramatic Dark Blooms

In this review of Perry's Almost Black live perennial water lily, the bottom line is simple: gardeners and pond owners who want a striking, low-maintenance focal flower should consider this plant. It stood out for its rare cherry-soda-red outer petals that deepen to an almost black center and for arriving healthy and ready to plant as a pre grown bare root. The reviewer found it particularly well suited to outdoor koi ponds and container ponds because it provides dramatic, free flowering color while helping with natural water clarity.

Key Features

• Striking coloration: The flowers show cherry-soda-red outer petals that darken toward an almost black center, creating a bold visual focal point in any pond.
• Free flowering: Produces an abundance of burgundy blooms throughout the season, giving consistent color without fuss.
• Perennial hardiness: Winter hardy and resilient, it will return year after year without demanding care from the gardener.
• Ready to plant: Sent as a pre grown bare root, it arrives prepared for immediate planting in ponds or large containers following provided instructions.
• Natural filtration: As a water lily, it contributes to water clarity and health by shading and filtering the pond ecosystem.
• Quality guarantee: Grown and shipped by experienced aquatic plant growers with a guarantee of arrival alive and healthy.

Who It's For

This water lily is ideal for pond owners, koi pond enthusiasts, and container gardeners who want a dramatic, low-maintenance flowering plant that also benefits water quality. It is especially attractive to those seeking unusual dark-toned blooms and a plant that performs well year after year.

It may be less suitable for indoor plant collectors or very small tabletop water features where large lily pads and vigorous growth could overwhelm the space. Those needing instant large-scale coverage should consider adding several plants, as a single bare root establishes and expands over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional, nearly black-centered blooms that act as a dramatic focal point.
• Free flowering habit provides many fragrant, burgundy flowers across the season.
• Hardy perennial that is easy to care for and tolerant of casual gardeners.
• Arrives as a pre grown bare root with clear planting instructions, making establishment straightforward.

Cons

• May take a season to reach full size and coverage from the bare root starter.
• Large lily pads and vigorous growth require adequately sized ponds or containers.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Perry's Almost Black is a great choice for pond owners who want an unusual, low-effort perennial with striking dark flowers and reliable performance. Its combination of bold color, free flowering habit, and winter hardiness make it a good value for gardeners seeking long-term visual impact and improved pond clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the plant shipped?
The plant ships as a pre grown bare root that is ready to plant with included instructions.

Can it survive winter outdoors?
Yes, this is a winter hardy perennial meant to survive and return year after year in suitable climates.

Is it suitable for container ponds?
Yes, it performs well in container ponds and outdoor koi ponds, but choose a container large enough for spread and growth.