QA

When To Plant Water Lilies

Ideally, your lilies should get at least 8 hours of sun. Plant your lilies in the spring. Late April to early May is the best time to plant water lilies in the Northern Hemisphere. In cooler climates, plant when there’s no risk of frost.

When should I plant lilies in my pond?

Waterlilies are best planted from mid to late spring to mid-summer. Plants are best grown in aquatic planting baskets, and plants bought from aquatic centres will normally come pre-planted in one and ready to submerge in the water. If not, choose the right size for the plant’s size and vigour.

Can you plant water lilies in winter?

Wintering Tropical Water Lilies Check the roots to make sure that the plant has properly formed tubers. Without tubers, it will have a difficult time surviving the winter. In the spring, when the tubers sprout, replant the water lily in a growing pot and place out into your pond after the last frost date has passed.

How deep do water lilies need to be planted in a pond?

When choosing a waterlily for your pond, make sure you select the most appropriate size. Typically, large waterlilies should sit 75cm below the surface; medium waterlilies 50cm below and small waterlilies 20cm below. If you plant them too deeply they will fail to flower, too shallow and they will die.

How long does it take water lilies to grow?

These lilies should be planted in 15- to 20-quart tubs. They should be planted so that there are six to 18 inches of water growing over their tips. They will begin growing roughly two weeks after they have been planted and then will begin blooming in another two to four weeks.

Can you plant water lilies without soil?

Planting plants into a pond without soil can be done successfully in any sized pond. Common plants that are planted into ponds without soil are floating plants, such as water lilies, which are embedded into the pond’s bed, and marginals, which are planted along the edge of the pond in the shallow water.

Are water lilies good for ponds?

In addition to their beauty, a few water lilies can also help keep a backyard pond healthy; the shade they provide helps shelter fish and keep the water looking crystal clear by preventing algae from growing. Water lilies aren’t just for ponds, though.

Are water lilies frost resistant?

They are hardy to -15C or more and as long as they are covered by at least 15cm of water they will survive even the hardest winters as long as the rhizomes don’t freeze solid. Hardy water lilies grow from underground swollen stems call rhizomes.

What is the difference between hardy and tropical water lilies?

Hardy water lilies retain their leaves all year long. So in the cold winter months although small they will have leaves. Tropical water lilies do not. When it gets colder than 55 degrees they will go back to a bulb state and the pot will look completely empty.

Do water lilies need to be potted?

Most water lilies should be potted into a 10ltr container, with only one plant per container. Use ordinary heavy garden loam. If your own garden soil isn’t suitable we recommend Westland Aquatic Compost which is available from most good garden centres.

Are water lilies easy to grow?

With striking flowers and leaves that float serenely, water lilies are enchanting plants. They’re easy to grow and care for, so turning your pond into a picturesque oasis won’t take much work.

Can you plant water lilies in gravel?

Do not cover the growing point of water lilies with soil or gravel. Day and night blooming- tropical water lilies should be planted in pots at least 10″ in diameter (a smaller container will result in a smaller plant). Remember to keep the gravel away from the crown of the tuber.

What eats water lilies in a pond?

The black aphid and aquatic leaf beetle both feed on water lilies. Animals such as beavers, ducks, and deer also eat parts of the water lily. Fish, such as grass carp, sometimes eat water lilies as well.

How do you winterize water lilies?

Store it inside: Transport your water lily indoors for the winter and store it in a cool basement or heated garage, keeping the temperature at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring in the whole pot and place it in a plastic bag or box. Check it periodically to make sure the soil remains moist.

Do water lilies need full sun?

Most water lilies typically need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight in order to produce beautiful blooms. Fortunately, there are a few hardy varieties that will bloom their hearts out with as little as three hours of sunlight per day.

Can you use garden soil for water lilies?

Loam or a clay-loam soil is best for potting up your water lilies. Fill the container 2/3 of the way with damp garden soil. For hardy water lilies you place the rhizome so that the growing point (the eye) is facing the center of the pot.

What soil do you plant water lilies in?

Plant into a heavy loam, free from chemicals. Don’t use light, sandy soil, chalky soil. NEVER use peat based potting composts or add peat to the soil. If your own garden soil isn’t suitable we recommend Westland Aquatic Compost which is available from most good garden centres.

Can you plant water lilies in pea gravel?

Pea gravel is needed to keep the soil in place and to discourage fish from disturbing the oil and plant. Your lily is now ready to go in the pond. Place new plants at a depth of 8-12” for about the first three months of growth. Keep in mind that lilies normally take 2-3 weeks to adjust before new growth starts.