The “Queen of the Water Lilies” Blooming at Como
Como is the only public garden in Minnesota to grow and display the massive South American lilies
Come face to face with one of nature’s most amazing plants this summer. Victoria Water Lilies, commonly known as ‘Water Platters’, are on display now at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Floating peacefully in the water gardens that surround Como’s Visitor Center, the giant platter-like plants offer guests spectacular sights and an experience unmatched anywhere in the state, as Como is the only public garden in Minnesota to grow and display the South American lilies. Blooming now and over the next several weeks, guests are sure to be captivated by Como’s vibrant Victoria Water Platters.
Known as the “Queen of the Water Lilies,” Victoria Water Platters are impressive plants, each leaf capable of growing over 6 feet in diameter and able to support the weight of a child. Victorias are remarkable for more than their leaves, however. Victoria flowers are night-blooming, and over the course of three nights, an incredible show takes place. The first night a Victoria flower opens, it is female, with pure white petals and a delicious pineapple-cake aroma to attract pollinators. This flower closes when the sun rises and does not reopen until it is dark again. The second night, however, the flower is no longer female or white; it has transformed into a male flower with hot pink petals. Pollinators that were trapped inside the flower when it closed for the day must now crawl through a layer of pollen to escape. Now covered in pollen, they will fly to the next sweet-smelling female flower and complete the cycle of pollination. Victoria flowers will open for one more night, as if performing a final encore, before pulling themselves back under water. These incredible flowers are best seen late July and into early August, the peak blooming season for the plant in Minnesota. While the lilies are visibly appealing, guests are advised not to touch them–they are covered in spikes sharp enough to puncture rubber.
While guests to Como will find the beauty of Victoria Water Platters easy to admire, growing and maintaining the demanding plants is always an exciting challenge for Como’s gardeners. The huge lilies that start from seeds the size of a pea are extremely sensitive to their environment. Seeds are either gifted to Como from Longwood Gardens or harvested from flowers pollinated by gardeners at Como. These seeds are then germinated in early March and carefully monitored, fertilized, and continuously repotted until they are ready to go on display in the summer. Because the plant originated in the steamy temperatures of South America, many steps are taken to ensure water pools are warm enough. Ray Watson, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Horticulture Curator, is always enamored with the history and process of caring for the Victoria Water Platters. “The water gardens at Como are both unique and spectacular, few institutions are able to create such a stunning outdoor display, particularly with our weather, it is a true testament to the skill and hard work of the Horticulture team.”
Victoria Water Platters have a remarkable history and presence at Como. The plant, named after Britain’s Queen Victoria, was first introduced to Como Park in the 1880s. Grown in Lily Pond under a stone bridge, the warm water required to successfully grow the water lilies came from the boiler at the park superintendent’s house nearby. Charming visitors to the area, the 1920s saw an expansion of the plant into Como Park, when the lilies dotted the water landscape. Old black and white photographs capture people’s fascination with the plants as 1920s visitors strolled and posed alongside the Victoria Water Platters. As Como Park Conservatory and other indoor gardening at Como gained popularity, the growing of the outdoor water plants dwindled and soon stopped. Victoria Water Platters didn’t return to Como until 2005 and have now become the summer tradition they once were decades before.
The Water Gardens are a seasonal display from June-September.
