A rare giant water lily, the Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid’, is currently in bloom at the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam. The botanical garden is staying open late on Tuesday evening from 20:00 to 22:00 so visitors can see it.
The plant is a cross between two South American species, Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana. Its round leaves can reach a diameter of more than two metres.
A two-night bloom
The flower blooms for only two nights and opens exclusively in the dark. On cloudy days, it can sometimes open slightly during daylight hours.
On the first night, the blossom is white and gives off a sweet scent often compared to pineapple. It closes during the day and reopens on the second night as a pink flower before sinking beneath the water permanently.
Pond attraction
The water lily is located in the heated outdoor pond at the Hortus Botanicus. Earlier blooms of the hybrid drew visitors from across the country.
The same Amsterdam lily took part in an international competition between botanical gardens this summer, where its leaves successfully held 40 kilograms of cheese.
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