Hardy Water Lilies
     Information & Care

Hardy water lilies are ideal for any water garden because of their perennial beauty, ease of culture, wealth of bloom, and range of colour and form. They grow readily when provided with sunlight, rich soil, warm water, and are exceptionally hardy.  Their purchase may be considered a permanent investment, with reasonable care they can be retained for many years.

All of our hardy water lilies are container grown in 8" sieve-style pots, and they are offered in most varieties depending on seasonal availability.  In rubber lined ponds they must be transplanted to an 18L (1 cu. ft.) container with aquatic planting media; however in Aquascape ponds they can be installed directly into the pre-excavated lily pockets on the pond bottom.

All hardy water lilies should be fertilized each spring to encourage blooming and strong growth. Dividing and repotting them every 2-3 years will prevent the plants from becoming root bound which can stunt growth and reduce blooming.

Overwintering

Hardy water lilies will overwinter well if their roots do not freeze solid. Foliage will die back mid to late fall but roots will remain alive. Steps to overwinter lilies should be taken at this time. DO NOT COVER the pond or bring plants inside until late fall when dormancy has begun.

Methods:

A. If you own a 2' deep Aquascape pond, simply cut back all plants foliage and stems to just about the level of the rhizome. The ice will only freeze down 6"-12" so there is no need to worry about the plant freezing.

B. If you have a rubber lined pond, move containers to an area of the pond that is at lease 2 ½ feet deep. Remove dead leaves on lilies but not on lotus. Colder zones in Canada (< Zone 3) should increase this depth. Return containers to original positions in spring.

C. Use this method if your pond is shallow and will likely freeze solid. Remove the old leaves and stems from the lily and bring planted containers indoors to cold storage, approximately 40°F (5°C), for the winter. Keep containers moist and dark at all times. More lilies are lost from drying out than from freezing. Return plants to the pond after the ice has melted the following spring.

8" Potted Hardy Water Lilies available April 1 - Sept 30th