In Stock

Nymphaea Water Lily Pink

Wholesale Sales Only

The Pink Water Lily, Nymphaea ‘Pink’, is a captivating aquatic plant that enhances any water garden with its vibrant beauty. Its large, dark green leaves float gracefully on the water, creating a lush backdrop for delicate pink flowers with star-like petals and bright yellow centres that attract pollinators.

Thriving in ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and large water containers, it prefers full sunlight and requires at least five hours of direct light daily. Suitable for both cooler and warmer climates, it provides shelter for aquatic creatures and helps reduce algae growth, contributing to a healthier pond ecosystem.

Nymphaea ‘Pink’ infuses any water garden with charm and vibrancy, making it a captivating centrepiece that enhances the serene beauty of the aquatic environment.

SKU: TCWLIPIN001 Category: Tag:

Description

The Role and Varieties of Water Lilies in Pond Ecosystems

Water lilies (Nymphaea x hybrids) are perennial aquatic plants native to Europe and belong to the family Nymphaeaceae. They play a crucial role in pond ecosystems by creating habitats for fish and frogs with their expansive pads, providing shelter, shade, and a consistent food source while reducing algae formation. Water lilies thrive in ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and large bowls or urn-shaped pots. However, they do not like their petals getting wet, so avoid planting them near fountains or water displays. Their flowers typically open in the morning and close in the afternoon.

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.

Water lilies thrive under varying sun conditions depending on the climate: they prefer full sun with partial afternoon shade in warmer regions and flourish in full sun in cooler climates. When caring for water lilies, it’s essential to ensure they receive ample sunlight, ideally 5-6 hours daily, to encourage robust flowering. Note that hot weather can cause some hardy varieties to cease flowering, leading to scorched flowers.
Proper Storage for Water Lilies Received in Winter

Upon receiving your water lily, it’s crucial to plant it promptly. However, if you receive a water lily in winter and it needs to be stored, keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place like a basement or garage at temperatures between 4-10 degrees Celsius until it is ready to be planted. Wrap the tuber in slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or newspaper to prevent it from drying out completely. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent mold growth. Periodically check the tuber to ensure it remains in good condition. If the wrapping material dries out, you can slightly moisten it.

Best Practices for Planting and Growing Water Lily ‘Pink’
Although water lilies can be submerged to a depth of 45 cm, it’s generally advisable to plant new and young water lilies at a shallower depth, gradually increasing it as they mature. This approach allows the plant to acclimate to increasing water pressure and depth, preventing shock and potential damage. Gradual submersion ensures that the leaves can grow towards the surface without being overwhelmed, facilitating effective photosynthesis. It also promotes healthy root development, providing better support and nutrient uptake. Additionally, this process helps the plant adjust to temperature variations and prevents buoyancy issues by securely anchoring the roots and tubers. By taking these steps, you promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms for your water lily.
If you want to grow water lilies in a pond right away, it is beneficial to plant them in a large pot first before placing them in the pond unless your pond has an area where they can slowly establish. Water lilies thrive with at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily, so plant them in a sunny location to promote abundant flowering and keep them away from water features.
Once established, move them to a depth of at least 45 cm, allowing for growth in water up to 1.8 meters deep, which promotes optimal growth without excessive submersion. Maintain excellent water quality by ensuring good circulation and minimising organic debris, which helps keep the water clear and conducive to healthy plant growth.
Soil Options for Planting Water Lilies in Pots
When planting water lilies in a pot, you have a few excellent soil options to consider. Loam soil provides a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, ensuring optimal drainage and moisture retention for healthy plant growth. Alternatively, enriched garden soil or aquatic planting medium enhances soil fertility and texture, promoting robust plant development. These soil types can effectively support water lilies, helping them thrive in your aquatic environment.
To ensure stability when using enriched garden soil in pots, cover all except the tip with soil and add a layer of small rocks or pea gravel to keep the soil in place. This practice supports the soil and stabilises the plant’s crown, ensuring both remain securely positioned in the pot. Be sure to not pot in lightweight potting mixes containing perlite, vermiculite, or peat. You want it to be heavy.
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
Water lilies can thrive undisturbed for several years, yet it’s beneficial to lift and divide them every 3 to 4 years to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to smaller leaves and diminished flowering. However, if your water lily shows signs of decline, division can be undertaken sooner. When dividing, remove the container from the pond and use a knife to divide the tubers into two or three pieces, ensuring each division has a lily pad attached and displays signs of growth with at least two eyes. During this process, prune away any dead lily pads and tough, woody parts of the original plant to promote vigorous growth. When repotting, follow the potting instructions carefully to effectively rejuvenate the plant’s growth cycle.

Water lilies are generally resistant to pests and diseases, though aphids can occasionally pose a problem. A natural method to control aphids is to submerge the pot so that the leaves are underwater, or cover the leaves with wet newspaper to weigh them down. Only consider using a biological insecticide as a last resort. Standing water in gardens can attract mosquitoes, but introducing fish like goldfish or encouraging local frog populations can help control mosquito larvae naturally. These steps ensure Water Lily Pink thrives, continuing to enhance your pond with its radiant blooms.

Summary

Water Lily ‘Pink’ is a stunning variety with delicate pink blooms. It is hardy and can thrive in water up to 1.8 meters deep, making it suitable for various climates and pond sizes. With its vibrant and elegant flowers, it adds a touch of beauty and sophistication to any water garden, making it a must-have for garden enthusiasts.

Supplied as a dormant plant.

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.

 

Additional information

Price Code

F – Grey Pack

Botanical Name

Nymphaea x hybrid

Quanity in Pack

1 Plant

Flowering Time

Spring, Summer

Planting Time

Plant from June onwards

Growing Width

20 cm

Planting Depth

10-20 cm

How to Plant

Water lilies can thrive in several main locations: at the bottom of ponds, lakes, or slow-moving rivers, and in pots. When planting in pots, use loam soil, enriched garden soil, or aquatic planting medium, and top it off with a layer of pebbles. Ensure the plant's crown is slightly above the soil level. 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. It's crucial to plant only one water lily per pot to ensure optimal growth.

If planting directly at the bottom of a pond, use heavy clay loam soil or aquatic soil to cover the tuber with a shallow layer. Finish by adding a light layer of sand or gravel on top to prevent the soil from floating away. Ensure the crown is slightly exposed.

Soil

When planting in pots, use loam soil, enriched garden soil, or an aquatic planting medium, topped with a layer of pebbles. For planting directly at the bottom of a pond, cover the tuber with a shallow layer of heavy clay loam soil or aquatic soil, then add a light layer of sand or gravel to prevent the soil from floating away and to keep fish from disturbing it. Ensure the crown is exposed.

Fertilise

When planting, embed aquatic fertiliser tablets into the soil, ensuring they do not touch the roots, and administer them once or twice a month throughout the growing season. Adhere to the guidelines provided on the fertiliser tablet packaging for optimal growth promotion.

Pruning

In late autumn or early winter, after the first frost in colder climates or when growth slows in warmer regions, trim the foliage back to just above the tuber. This prevents decaying vegetation from accumulating in the water during winter. Regular pruning throughout the growing season also encourages continuous blooming and maintains the plant's health.

close
Shopping cart
close