Waterlily Hardy

Nymphaea
Depth: 40cm – 100cm
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Flower: Red, Yellow, Apricot, White, Pink

Hardy Water Lilies are a beautiful addition to your pond – the lily pads are circular with smooth edges and are generally green with light mottled maroon colouring on some varieties. They produce plenty of large flowers which rest on the water surface. The flowers will be in full bloom by mid-morning and close again by late afternoon. Flowers will only last for about three to four days and can change colour shades over this bloom period.

Hardy Water Lilies, as the name suggests, are a Winter Hardy Lily. They can withstand colder temperatures than the Tropical Water Lilies. The pads may not get as big, and growth will slow down but they will generally survive through Winter without going dormant. You will not get flowers through Winter. 

Water lilies require a sunny position, at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. They do not like water splashing on their leaves so do not place them too near a fountain or waterfall. A minimum water depth of 40cm is preferred. Water lilies require a fair amount of nutrient to grow well, we recommend re-potting once a year in early spring and regular feeding with slow-release tablets.

POTTING WATERLILIES

Select a suitable pot (at least 20cm or larger is ideal). Smaller pots will limit leaf growth and the potential of flowers. Line the pot with newspaper to stop the soil from flowing through the holes then hold the plant to be potted in position while you pour the potting mix in around it. Tropical lilies can be positioned in the centre of the pot, Hardies should be positioned with the back of the rhizome at the edge of the pot so it can grow towards the centre.

Make sure to use an Aquatic Potting Mix! Aquatic Potting Mix is free from strong fertilisers and herbicides making it completely safe for aquatic life and it will not pollute the water.

Fill the pot to approximately 3-4cm from the top and push down firmly. Push 1 or 2 fertiliser tablets into the soil near the roots. Spread a layer of river sand on the top (about 1cm thick). This will stop soil from discolouring the water. Spread a layer of gravel stones on the top to hold everything down. We normally use crushed pea gravel.

Slowly fully submerge the newly potted lilies in a bucket of water or gently run the hose onto the pot until the water runs clears before placing them into the pond. This is to eliminate air bubbles and to get rid of clay that may be in the gravel or sand being used as this can discolour the water.

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