Tropical water lilies have very fragrant blossoms and will have several blossoms at a time. They also bloom later into the season than most hardy water lilies. Tropical water lilies are available in day blooming and night blooming varieties. Tropical water lilies can be distinguished from the hardy water lilies easily by their leaves. Hardy water lilies will have smooth waxy leaves that are rounded at the edge. Tropical water lilies will have be jagged or pointed around the edge of the leaves.