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How to Grow Water Lily

The hardy and humble Water Lily, which can grow out of slimy dams or muddy pots in ponds to produce glossy green floating leaves and heavenly flowers, that both rest peacefully on top of or above the water, are a wonderful addition to any aquatic garden. Actually a 'water herb', the Water Lily will spread via a creeping rhizome to all areas of a dam or pond where the water is the right depth. Too shallow and it won't do well, too deep and it will not grow. Different varieties are suitable to different climates.

Full sun in water to a depth of about 30cm

Must be kept wet at all times. Excess drying out can result in dormancy or death

Wet soil

Suited to all climates

How to grow water lilies in a dam

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot for your water garden/pond/dam. Always check with council on regulations regarding allowable depths for your area. You may also need approval if your water body is over a certain size. Water Lilies will flower best in a full sun position.

Step 2

Move some mud out of the way and place your Water Lily in position. Plants will like about 30 cm of water to do well.

Step 3

You will stir up the water a little but this will settle quickly. You may be able to plant an established potted specimen or plant or a dormant rhizome.

Step 4

Lay some pebbles or rocks over the disturbed soil. These are to hold the Water Lily in place until the roots take hold. This will not take long!

How to grow water lilies in a pot/pond

Step 1

Enrich the garden soil/loam you are going to use with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, but don't mix in too much if you have a small pond, as you can foul the water as it can leach some nutrient. Choose a pot with a minimum 250 mm wide top.

Step 2

Fill pot with garden soil or loam, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots if repotting, or spread evenly the roots of a dormant rhizome. Do not plant rhizome below the soil level, and leave a 5 cm gap on top of pot, so some gravel can be placed around the plant to stop soil escaping and floating onto pond. This will also help hold the pot down and in position.

Step 3

Once potted, run some water through the pot to saturate the soil, and gently lower into your pond. Position in full sun for optimum flowering.

Step 4

You may want to introduce some fish in your pond. These will add a dash of colour and life and help keep mosquito larvae in check.

Growing tips

Remove any spent flowers or old leaves as they age.
Prune regularly.
Once established fairly low maintenance.
Don't over fill your pond with aquatic plants. They can grow quickly in warm weather and compete with each other and need thinning out.
Must be kept wet at all times. Excess drying out can result in dormancy or death.
Often better grown in a soil or garden loam rather than a potting mix if using in a pot to submerge in a pond or water garden.
Active growing during warmer months. Plant in spring and summer from rhizome or division.