N. Fay McDonald – A Historic Hardy Blue by Mike Giles
N. Fay McDonald, released in 2010 by renowned hybridizer Mike Giles, remains one of the very few truly "blue" winter-hardy water lilies in existence—a legendary and iconic variety still highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.
This floriferous and highly fragrant lily produces multiple blooms at once, often up to 7 flowers simultaneously during peak summer, each rising 4–7 inches above the water surface. The flowers are a rich lavender-blue, paired with compact pads, making it both a stunning visual and a space-efficient choice.
Thanks to its compact rhizome, Fay McDonald can be planted in smaller containers, though a taller pot is recommended due to its deeper-reaching roots. It performs best with 5+ hours of full sun daily, especially with strong morning light to encourage maximum flowering.
Key Differences Compared to N. Purple Lucent:
Fay McDonald: Orange stamens, closed pad sinus
Purple Lucent: Yellow stamens, open pad sinus