originator – Slocum 1995
parentage – Nymphaea ‘Perry’s Fire Opal’ x Nymphaea ‘Pamela’

– characteristics –
Free flowering.
– flowers –
Petal color: Dark red petals first day; second day inner petals turn much darker; by third day all inner petals are almost black.
Flower shape: Cuplike changing to peony-shaped.
Flower size: 12 – 15 cm.
Fragrance: Slight, pleasant.
Number of petals: 36 – 38.
– leaves –
Color: Green, new leaves are purple changing after a few weeks to olive green.
Leaf spread: 100 – 150 cm.
– comments –
This cultivar absolutely represents a breakthrough in waterlily color. The first and second-day blooms are held 15 – 20 cm above the water and provide lovely reflections. In warm weather, the sun burns the center petals.

more photos of Nymphaea ‘Black Princess’:

(All photos ©2009 Alice Galante)