Plant Profile: Victoria 'Longwood Hybrid'

The Victoria 'Longwood Hybrid' is an impressive giant waterlily, resulting from the crossbreeding of two species within the Victoria genus, specifically V. amazonica and V. cruziana. Although it is a herbaceous perennial, in North Carolina, it is typically cultivated as an annual. This plant thrives as a perennial only when water temperatures are maintained at a minimum of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is nonviviparous, meaning it does not sprout while still attached to the parent plant, necessitating annual germination from seeds. Notably, it produces abundant flowers and is more resilient to wind and cooler water temperatures compared to other Victoria species. While it is not commercially available, it can be found in various botanical gardens.

Named in honor of Queen Victoria and developed by Longwood Gardens, this waterlily flourishes in shallow, tranquil waters, ideally between 1 to 3 feet deep, and requires full sunlight. In tropical regions, it is best to anchor the roots in nutrient-rich loamy soil at the bottom of the water body, although it can also adapt to clay substrates. To cultivate this species from seed, plant the seeds in a pot submerged in water heated to at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit during late winter. The seedlings can be moved outdoors in late spring or early summer, once water temperatures consistently reach the low 70s Fahrenheit. It is advisable to space multiple plants about 20 feet apart and to prune any old leaves as the plant matures. Care should be taken to avoid splashing water, strong currents, and heavy winds.

This remarkable plant is renowned for its massive, platter-like leaves, which can reach diameters of 4 to 6 feet, supported by thick, spongy veins. The leaves feature upturned edges, and both the underside of the leaves and the stem are lined with sharp spines, likely serving as a defense mechanism against herbivores such as fish and manatees. Each leaf can expand up to 6 feet across, contributing to a total plant spread of up to 20 feet. Its hybrid vigor results in deeper green foliage and taller leaf margins.

The large flowers of this waterlily bloom at night and last for 2 to 3 days. On the first night, the flower opens white and releases a sweet pineapple fragrance, transitioning to pink on the second night. Once the plant matures and begins flowering, it typically continues to produce additional blooms until the season concludes, yielding larger and more numerous flowers than its non-hybrid counterparts.

In terms of plant health, the Victoria 'Longwood Hybrid' is vulnerable to pests such as aphids and false leaf-mining midges.