Hardy water lilies will survive our New York City winters if they are planted below the freezing line in a water feature, while tropical water lilies need to be stored over the winter or treated as annuals.
Selecting the Best Hardy Water Lilies for Small Ponds
A glistening pond filled with lush green lily pads and vibrant blooms is a charming addition to any garden However, not all water lilies are right for small ponds. To enjoy success growing water lilies in petite ponds, focus your search on compact, dwarf varieties
What Makes a Pond “Small”?
When selecting water lilies, the first step is determining if your pond truly qualifies as small. Here are some general guidelines on pond sizes:
- Small pond: Less than 100 square feet surface area; 1-2 feet deep
- Medium pond: 100-300 square feet surface area; 2-3 feet deep
- Large pond: Over 300 square feet surface area; 3+ feet deep
Larger, spreading water lily varieties can overwhelm tiny ponds. Choose petite lilies for ponds under 100 square feet and 1-2 feet deep. These compact water gardens will showcase dwarf lilies best.
Best Hardy Lilies for Small Ponds
Here are top performers to consider for your petite pond:
- Baby Red – Vibrant red and green color, blooms late spring to fall, leaves spread 1-2 feet
- Helvola – Bright yellow 2-3 inch blooms, heavily mottled round leaves, leaves spread 1-2 feet
- Hermine – Classic white flowers with yellow centers, blooms spring to fall, leaves spread 1-2 feet
- Pygmy – Pale yellow blooms, round green lily pads, leaves spread 1-2 feet
- Mini Yellow Sensation – Sunny yellow blooms, compact growth habit, leaves spread 1-2 feet
- Perry’s Baby Red – Vivid reddish blooms, green rounded leaves, leaves spread 1-2 feet
- Chubby – Lavender-pink flowers, green speckled leaves, leaves spread 1-3 feet
These hardy dwarf lily varieties thrive in small ponds, providing color and interest without overwhelming the compact space.
Planting Hardy Water Lilies
When introducing water lilies to your petite pond, follow these tips:
- Plant in spring once water temperature is above 60°F.
- Plant in ponds 1-2 feet deep, with 5+ hours of sun.
- Use loamy potting mix formulated for aquatic plants.
- Plant crowns just above the soil surface.
- Fertilize with tablets formulated for water lilies.
- Space plants 1-2 feet apart to prevent crowding.
- Add a thin layer of gravel or sand to prevent soil from disbursing.
Proper planting and care will give your petite hardy lilies the best start. Be sure to give them adequate fertilizer and ample sun exposure.
Caring for Hardy Water Lilies
To keep your compact water lilies thriving season after season:
- Fertilize monthly with underwater tablets during the growing season.
- Prune dead leaves and spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth.
- Thin congested plants to improve air circulation and light.
- Propagate by dividing crowded root crowns every 2-3 years.
- Monitor water quality and pH to prevent algae and nutrient deficiencies.
- In winter, cut back foliage and sink pots to the bottom of the pond.
With a little TLC, your hardy dwarf lilies will flourish in petite ponds for years of beauty.
Enjoying Hardy Water Lilies
Water lilies instantly lend ponds elegance and tranquility. By selecting compact varieties suited to small water features, any garden can benefit from these aquatic wonders. Be sure to shop our top selections of hardy dwarf water lilies specifically bred for maximizing charm in small ponds. Soon you’ll enjoy a personal paradise filled with their delightful blossoms.
LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Guides
Photo of the hardy water lily Nymphaea Colorado taken at NYBG
Hardy water lilies will survive our New York City winters if they are planted below the freezing line in a water feature, while tropical water lilies need to be stored over the winter or treated as annuals.
The pink and yellow flowers of hardy water lily Nymphaea Indiana
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FAQ
What is the best water lily for a small pond?
Nymphaea Pygmaea alba – Pygmy White Water Lily This enchanting water lily has miniature, cup-shaped white flowers and is the smallest of the white lilies. It is well suited to patio pools and small, shallow water features.
What is the hardiest water lily?
Nymphaea ‘Gloriosa’ (Hardy Water Lily)
What is the best plant for a small pond?
Good plants for a small pond are marsh marigolds (double and white ones especially), blue iris (I. laevigata) (the variegated one is superb), Water forget-me-not, Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) and Arrowheads. You can also try Arum lilies (though they get huge) and water lobelia (though it isn’t totally hardy).