Description
There are two main types of water lilies: Hardy and tropical. Tropical varieties display a spectrum of colours including shades of blue and purple, whereas hardy water lilies are found in hues of yellow, red, white, pink, and pastel orange. Both types include day-blooming and night-blooming varieties, though hardy water lilies specifically bloom during daylight hours.
Choosing and Caring for Water Lilies Based on Climate Conditions
When selecting water lilies for your aquatic habitat, climate plays a pivotal role. Hardy varieties, like Water Lily ‘Pink’, can withstand cold climates, making them well-suited for regions that experience freezing temperatures. They typically emerge in spring and continue flowering through summer. Hardy varieties can also thrive in warmer climates, making them a great choice for all climates.
Soil Options for Planting Water Lilies in Pots
Soil Options for Planting Water Lilies at the Bottom of a Pond Without a Pot
For planting Water Lily ‘Pink’ directly at the bottom of a pond, use heavy clay loam or aquatic soil. Avoid using regular garden soil, as it can float away and muddy the water. Heavy clay loam, or aquatic soil provides the necessary nutrients and stability for the water lily to thrive.
Best Practices for Planting Water Lilies in Pots
When planting your water lily in a pot, ensure there’s only one water lily per pot to allow enough space for proper root development and growth. Planting multiple water lilies in one pot can lead to overcrowding, potentially restricting their growth and blooming potential. Use large, shallow pots with a diameter of about 50 cm. Terracotta pots secured with flywire mesh over the drainage hole to prevent soil mix from washing out are an excellent choice due to their weight. Alternatively, use pots with minimal holes or aquatic baskets, following the instructions on the packaging. Place approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) of soil in the pot, adjusting the amount based on the pot’s width. Carefully position the water lily horizontally to one side of the pot, with the growth tip facing upwards at a 45-degree angle toward the centre. This arrangement provides ample space for root expansion. Hold the tuber in place and add another layer of soil, then incorporate aquatic fertiliser tablets into the soil, ensuring they are not in direct contact with the roots. Apply the fertiliser once or twice a month during the growing season, following the instructions on the fertiliser tablet packaging for optimal growth. Apply a layer of pea gravel, ensuring the crown is exposed, to allow the water lily stems to branch out and grow. Placing a few larger rocks on top of the pea gravel will also provide additional security.
To acclimate your water lily, begin by slowly submerging the pot so the top is at least 10–20 cm below the water’s surface. This ensures the soil won’t be disturbed and allows air bubbles to slowly dissipate. If your pond is deeper, use bricks at the bottom to elevate the pot to the correct depth. Over a few months, gradually lower older plants to a depth of 45–60 cm to ensure optimal growth and development.
How to Plant New and Young Water Lilies at the Bottom of a Pond Without a Pot
To plant new and young water lily plants at the bottom of a pond without using a pot, start by choosing a planting spot that receives at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dig a shallow hole in the pond’s substrate and fill it with heavy clay loam or aquatic soil, avoiding regular garden soil. Position the water lily tuber at a 45-degree angle with the growing tip above the soil surface, then cover it with soil, leaving the growing tip exposed. Anchor the tuber with small rocks or gravel to prevent it from floating away. Insert aquatic plant fertiliser tablets into the soil around the tuber to promote growth. Maintain the water level, and remove any yellow or dead leaves, and your water lily will thrive at the bottom of your pond.
Growing Water Lilies Without a Pond: Tips for Using Large Bowls or Urn-Shaped Pots
If you don’t have a pond, don’t worry! Water lilies can also be grown in large, broad bowls or urn-shaped pots that are 60 cm or more deep and water-proofed. These add a touch of glamour to a courtyard or outdoor living area. Ensure they get plenty of direct sunlight daily and regularly top up the water.
How to Plant Established Water Lilies Directly at the Bottom of a Pond
For planting established water lilies directly at the bottom of a pond without using a pot, begin by preparing the plant: remove it from the pot, carefully remove excess soil, trim damaged roots, and remove dead leaves or flowers from older tubers to promote healthy growth; if your plants are in good condition, you can skip this step. Position the water lily plant at the pond’s bottom, placing it horizontally at a 45-degree angle with the growing tip facing upwards, at a depth of at least 45 cm below the water surface. Plant in heavy clay loam soil or aquatic soil at the pond’s bottom, covering it with just a few centimetres of soil, and lightly top with sand or gravel to secure it, ensuring the crown is exposed and just above the soil level. Regularly monitor water quality to maintain clarity and nutrient balance, making adjustments as necessary. Apply aquatic fertiliser near the plant base to promote robust growth, following package instructions for proper dosage. Throughout the season, trim spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage continuous flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Following these steps ensures your water lilies thrive, enhancing your pond’s beauty and providing a habitat for aquatic life.
Preparing Water Lilies for Winter Dormancy
Water lilies go dormant in winter, so preparing water lilies for this season is essential to ensure their survival and healthy regrowth in the spring. In colder climates, pond surfaces can freeze, potentially damaging or killing unprepared tubers. Trimming back the plant and removing dead or dying leaves helps conserve energy during the dormant period, which is then available for regrowth in the spring. Cleaning up water lilies also reduces decay and algae growth, maintains a healthier pond environment, and helps prevent disease and pests that might affect the plants during winter or the next growing season. Properly prepared water lilies are more likely to come back healthy and vigorous in the spring.
To prepare them, trim back any dead or dying foliage and move the plants to deeper water if the pond is shallow and doesn’t freeze. If the pond is prone to freezing or is drained during winter, remove the plant. Unlike tropical water lily varieties, hardy varieties can be kept in their pot during dormancy when removed from the pond. Store the entire pot in a cool, moist environment, such as inside a plastic bag. If storing the pot is impractical, carefully remove the plant, trim dead foliage and roots to about 5-10 cm, and clean it. Then, air dry for a few hours in a shaded area and store the plant in peat moss or sawdust at temperatures between 4°C and 10°C. In spring, treat the stored plant like a new one by repotting it to encourage renewed growth. This method effectively shields hardy water lilies during their dormant winter phase, ensuring they remain robust for the upcoming growing season.
In warmer climates, Water Lily ‘Pink’ can often remain in the pond over winter. To store it properly, start by trimming back any dead or dying leaves and flowers to conserve the plant’s energy. If possible, move the plant to the deepest part of the pond to avoid temperature fluctuations. Ensure the water remains clear and free of debris to prevent disease and maintain a stable water temperature, using a pond heater if necessary. Leave the plant undisturbed as much as possible during this period to ensure it remains healthy and ready to thrive when the growing season resumes.
Plant Care
Important Note: While we aim to provide accurate representations of our products, factors such as climate, natural variations, or manufacturing updates can impact the exact appearance of each variety. The images usually feature mature specimens, while the supplied stock contains a dormant plant that will develop over time. Please use the images as a general guide.