Easy To Grow Hardy Water Lilies

Hardy water lilies are a must for any water garden. Not only are they some of the most beautiful plants to have, but they are easy to plant and maintain. With nearly 180 recognized hardy water lily (nymphaea) varieties available the hardest part is deciding on which plants to use.

Although not as showy as tropical lilies, hardy lilies are also not as fussy. A big advantage is that the hardy nymphaea can stay in the water all year long. One of the reasons why is because these plants can be planted deeper than their tropical cousins. This means that their root systems are better protected. Some varietals can be planted as deep as 8 to 10 feet, ensuring even more protection against rootstock freezing.

The key to growing hardy water lillies – or any of the lilies, really – is making sure the plants get enough sun. Five to ten hours of sunlight is needed to make the plants flourish in the garden. Regular fertilization helps, too. Where in the pond the plants are placed is also important. The plants cannot be near splashing water, as this can actually kill them. If water is continually splashed on the top surface of the leaves, it covers the oxygen openings on the leaves. If the opening cannot get oxygen, the plant drowns. If by luck the plant does not drown, it can get a bacterial infection in the openings, which will eventually kill the leaf.

Planting a hardy water lily could not be simpler. Begin with filling a pot about two-thirds full of aquatic planting media around the rhizome and covering with a layer of pea gravel. The gravel ensures that the media will stay put. Place the plant in the pond at the proper depth for the variety and be ready to enjoy the flowers. As far as fertilizer is concerned, aquatic fertilizer tablets work well. However, if fish are present in the pond, additional fertilizer is not really needed. The fish waste is a great source of food for the lilies.

To take care of the plants once they start blooming is easy. The flowers generally appear between May and September and last three to four days. Snipping off the deadheads ensures continued growth of new flowers. Just be sure to snip the dead flower heads as close to the base of the stem as possible. Be sure to trim any yellow leaves, too. If these leaves rot, especially over winter, they will pollute the pond.

Without a doubt, hardy waterlilies make superb pond plants and are an easy and colourful addition to any water garden. They are showy without being overly flashy and are consistent producers. However, if you are interested trying to grow the more exotic tropical lilies such as Lotus, take some time to read up and get  detailed water lilies advice on these demanding plants.