A garden pool filled with water lilies is a spectacular sight. With elegant flowers that open their blooms each morning to greet the sun, and then closing again in the evening, they are exquisitely beautiful.

Although many gardeners are nervous to try growing these beautiful water plants, the European varieties are extremely hardy and very easy to grow.

Tropical water lilies require a warm climate to grow, preferring a sunny position, and flowering all year round. These varieties produce large scented flowers on tall stems in colors ranging from white, cream, pink, apricot, rich cyclamen, yellow and many shades of blue through to purple.

The hardy European varieties grow and flower in all climates. A sunny position is best for these plants, but in extremely hot climates some dappled shade is recommended. Once established, they produce flowers over a long periods, with colors ranging from white through pink, red, apricot, and the yellow spectrum. Sizes vary, from the exquisite miniatures, to those with extra large leaves and flowers.
 

Water lilies should be planted in a soil mixture of three parts loam, to one part well rotted cow manure, blood and bone, bone meal, or slow release fertilizer pellets, mixed through the bottom layer of soil.
 

Larger varieties do well planted into squat pots about 20-25cm in diameter. Make a few extra holes low down on the sides of the pot, because water lilies do best when their roots are not contained.

In very large ponds or converted swimming pools,

plant two or three different varieties in larger pots to create an impressive display.
 

With the exception of the miniature varieties that should be planted with 10-18cms water above the pots, water lilies should be planted at depths of 20-40cms.
Soak the soil in the pots very well before placing into the water, and cover the top of the pots with a good layer of stones. This will help stop the potting soil washing out of the pots. The stems and leaves will find their own way to the surface.
 

Plants grown in smaller pots will need to be divided every two or three years.

Fish are an important part of a ponds lifecycle as are oxygenating plants. If you like Koi Carp, do not place them in a pond with tropical water lily plants as the Koi will eat them.

Koi will leave the hardy varieties alone, especially if the fish are no longer than eight to 10cm.

Aggregate stone’s around the plants will prevent the fish from uprooting them.

You can also grow water lilies in deep half barrels or tubs lined with a heavy plastic.

It’s important to ensure that the pots remain submerged all the time, as water lilies must never be allowed to dry out.  

All the best, and happy gardening,

Erin Taylor

www.antspants.biz