Elegant and stately, water lilies (Nymphaea sp.) can be the crowning glory of a garden pond.
Look for water lilies that have shoots coming out of the rhizome when you buy them. Also, don’t pot or plant them until the pond has warmed up. When you pot your plants, you should use an aquatic basket to keep their strong growth in check and either John Innes No. 2 or specialized aquatic soil. Avoid rich composts that will encourage the growth of unsightly green algae, or organic composts that float away.
Remember that water lily leaves will rot if they are submerged too deeply or too quickly. Slowly lower the pot to the bottom of the pond as the leaves rise to the surface.
Use a mesh aquatic basket lined with hessian to stop the compost escaping. Part fill with aquatic soil.
Before putting the plant in the middle of the pot, pull out the fleshy roots and pack down the soil.
Mulch with large stones to keep the compost from floating off. Soak the basket in water.
Place the basket in the pond on a platform of bricks, gradually reducing its height over weeks.
Water lilies are one of the most iconic and beautiful pond plants. Their colorful bloomsfloating gracefully on the water’s surface can transform any backyard pond. But before you can enjoy their beauty, you need to know how to properly plant water lilies.
In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about choosing, planting, and caring for water lilies in your pond.
Why Add Water Lilies to Your Pond?
Here are some of the great benefits water lilies provide:
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Beautiful blooms – Water lilies come in a huge array of colors like white, pink, yellow, orange, red, and more Their flowers open in the morning and close at night
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Provide shade – The large, round leaves give shade and shelter to fish and other pond creatures This helps maintain cooler water temperatures.
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Oxygenation – Lily pads and underwater roots infuse oxygen into the water, which fish need to breathe.
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Natural filtration – Water lilies help absorb nutrients from the water that would otherwise feed algae growth.
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Enhance aesthetics – Water lilies simply look lovely and make any pond more visually appealing.
Choosing the Right Water Lily
With so many water lily varieties, it can be tricky to pick the right one for your needs. Here are some tips:
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Hardy or tropical – Hardy water lilies survive winter climates, while tropical varieties need warmer conditions and to be overwintered indoors. Know your hardiness zone.
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Bloom color – Select from popular colors like white, pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, and more. Some change shade as they bloom.
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Bloom time – Choose based on when you want flowers – some bloom in spring, others in summer, and some rebloom repeatedly.
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Leaf size – Lily pad spread ranges from 4 inches to 2 feet across. Pick size based on your pond dimensions.
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Fragrance – Many water lilies are delightfully fragrant when blooming. This is a personal preference.
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Light needs – While most want full sun, some will grow in partial shade conditions.
Water Lily Planting Supplies
Gather these supplies before planting:
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Aquatic planter – Use a 5-9 gallon nursery pot or plastic planter with drainage holes.
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Planting media – Use aquatic soil and sand formulated for ponds.
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Fertilizer – Tablets or sticks designed for water lilies are ideal to promote growth.
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Gravel or pebbles – Top dressing the pot helps hide it in the pond while protecting the soil.
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Bare root or potted lily – Buy from reputable sources; locally if possible.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow this simple process for planting water lilies:
Select the Right Spot
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Pick an area 3-5 feet deep with good sunlight – lilies need at least 6 hours per day.
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Allow room for lilies to spread – some adult plants cover 15 square feet.
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Avoid areas near moving water from pumps or fountains.
Prepare the Planter
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Fill aquatic planter about 3/4 full with planting media formulated for ponds.
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Gently firm the soil but avoid compacting it too tightly.
Plant the Rhizome
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Place rhizome horizontally on the soil, 1-2 inches deep. Position the growing tip upright.
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Roots should face outer edges and bottom of the planter.
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Spread roots out evenly over soil surface.
Cover Rhizome and Fill Planter
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Cover rhizome with 2-3 more inches of planting media.
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Fill planter to about 1 inch from the rim with more media.
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Top dress with gravel to hide soil.
Place Planter in Pond
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Slowly submerge planter into the preselected pond spot.
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Ensure 3-6 inches of water covers the lily’s growing tip.
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Angle planter to release air bubbles as you lower it.
Fertilize as Needed
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Use formulated water lily fertilizer, inserting tablets near roots every 2-4 weeks.
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This fuels growth for prolific blooms and large leaf spread.
Caring for Water Lilies Year Round
Water lilies need a bit of seasonal care to flourish:
Spring
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In early spring weather, place planter back into the pond if overwintered indoors.
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Begin fertilizing regularly to support new growth.
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Divide congested tubers in pots into separate containers.
Summer
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Fertilize plants regularly according to product instructions.
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Keep an eye on water levels as lilies expand, maintaining 3-6 inches over tips.
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Prune away dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Fall
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Reduce then cease fertilizing 6-8 weeks before expected first frost.
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After several frosts, cut away all foliage. This prepares plants for dormancy.
Winter
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In temperate zones, sink planter pots to the deepest part of the pond to protect roots from freezing.
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In colder climates, remove planters and overwinter tubers in a cool, dark location indoors near 40°F.
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Do not allow tubers to dry out during dormancy; keep soil slightly moist.
Troubleshooting Common Water Lily Problems
If issues arise with your water lilies, refer to these tips:
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Few or no blooms – This often results from insufficient sunlight. Also fertilize regularly and prune off spent blooms.
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Small leaves – Leaves that are significantly smaller than expected may indicate a lack of nutrients. Fertilize more frequently.
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Holes in lily pads – Culprits are likely insect pests or fish nibbling on leaves. Remove damaged growth and treat pond if severe.
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Leaves turning brown – This can signal too much or too little sunlight, extreme water temperature shifts, or a nutrient deficiency.
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Limp, mushy leaves – Rotting foliage usually occurs from bacterial or fungal issues. Remove all diseased growth immediately and treat water.
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Tubers popping out of soil – Congested, overgrown tubers can split pots. It’s time to divide the water lily and repot in separate containers.
Tips for Growing Strong Water Lilies
Follow these tips for success:
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Site lilies properly – Ensure they get 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sheltered areas near waterfalls or fountains can impact growth.
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Use the right planters – Nursery pots with drainage holes work better than solid containers that foster diseases. Bigger is better.
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Fertilize regularly – Water lilies are heavy feeders. Consistent nutrients are key for prolific blooms and large leaves.
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Keep consistent water levels – Lily tubers and tips should remain submerged, especially during growth periods when they expand.
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Control algae – Too much algae growth deprives water lilies of sunlight. Treat with algaecides if excessive buildup occurs.
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Divide mature plants – Congested tubers in old pots often stop thriving. Divide and repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years.
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Practice good hygiene – Remove dead leaves and flowers promptly to discourage pests, fungi, and rot. Keep tools and hands clean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Lilies
How long do water lilies take to grow?
Water lilies planted from tubers or rhizomes typically begin blooming 60-90 days after planting. Larger leaves and full spread take 1-2 years. Be patient – your first year may have fewer blooms.
Should my water lily leaves reach the surface?
Yes, the lily pad leaves should expand to the water’s surface once plants mature. If leaves remain small and submerged, inadequate sunlight, nutrients, or water levels may be to blame.
How much sun do I need for water lilies?
Water lilies require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for flowering, but at least 8 hours is ideal. More sunlight equals more blooms.
Do water lilies die in winter?
In freezing climates, water lily tubers become dormant and appear to die back. But the plant is simply going into hibernation. Hardy water lily varieties revive each spring.
How do I propagate new water lily plants?
You can divide congested tubers from mature lilies in spring and replant the healthy divisions to propagate more plants. Small plantlets called offsets can also be detached and potted up.
Can fish or turtles eat water lily leaves?
Yes, fish like koi may nibble on water lily leaves and flowers. Protect plants with mesh barriers until established. Hungry turtles can also damage lilies – consider relocating offenders.
Transform Your Pond with Water Lilies
Adding water lilies is one of the best ways to improve your pond’s appearance and health. With the right planting and care, these aquatic plants will thrive for years of beauty and enjoyment. We hope these comprehensive tips give you the confidence to grow and care for water lilies successfully!
