Description
Outstanding Features:
About Hardy Water Lilies
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.
These plants must be transplanted to an 18L (1 cu. ft.) container or larger, however, root disturbance is minimal in potted plants and there is no set back in growth. This is especially important for late season planting. Potted lilies are highly recommended after July 1st.
Transplanting Potted Hardy and Tropical Lilies
Potted hardy lilies can be transplanted into larger containers until September. Transplant tropical lilies in June when the water temperature has warmed to above 70°F (20°C). Cold water will cause the young plants to become dormant. Tropical lilies and hardy lilies must be transplanted from their original pots to an 18-27 litre container or larger. If left in the original containers, the lilies will become pot bound, which will stunt their growth. Therefore, a large container allows room to grow, so that your lily will grow to its full potential and bloom frequently. Fill the large container half full of moistened, tamped down soil. If using organic fertilizer, add a mixture of fertilizer and soil. Carefully remove the original pot from the lily and place the lily (soil and all) into the centre of the large container. Fill the remaining space with moist soil leaving about 1 inch from the top of the pot. Tamp soil down gently. If using fertilizer tablets, put 5-6 tablets around the pot and cover with soil. Cover soil with a layer of gravel, making sure there is NO SOIL OR GRAVEL ON THE CROWN. The gravel will keep the soil from being stirred up and discoloring the water and also prevents the fish from uprooting the plants. It is a good idea to soak the soil with some warm pond water before placing the containers in the pond to avoid muddying the water. Water lilies are heavy feeders and should be fertilized with 4 fertilizer tablets once a month from April to August for maximum bloom and growth.
Positioning Your Lilies
Position your lilies in the middle of the pond about 5-6 feet apart. Initially, it is best to have the lilies at the shallower depth (6″ of water) and then gradually move them deeper as the lily grows. You may need to use blocks to raise the lilies to the proper depth. Water lilies will grow in 6″ up to 3′ of water, depending on the variety. Do not place water lilies close to waterfalls or fountains where they will be splashed.
Hardy Water Lilies
Hardy water lilies will overwinter 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. Move containers to the deepest area of the pond. Remove dead leaves on lilies but not on lotus. It is recommended that your pond be at least 2 1/2′ to 3′ deep in one area if this method is chosen. Colder zones in Canada should increase this depth. You may cover pond with boards or framed plastic to provide extra insulation. Do not make airtight. Return containers to original positions in spring.
OR
B. Use this method if your pond is shallow and will likely freeze solid. Remove the old leaves from the lily and bring planted containers indoors to cold storage, approximately 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.
PLEASE NOTE:
NORTHERN SECTIONS OF CANADA SHOULD BRING PLANTS INDOORS OR USE A POND HEATER JUST TO BE SAFE.
PLANT IS NURSERY STOCK.
PLANT MAY NOT APPEAR AS PICTURED.
REMOVE BROKEN FOLIAGE AFTER SHIPPING.
PLANT WILL QUICKLY ESTABLISH.