Raising Radiant Water Lilies in 5 Steps!

“Water Lilies’ is an extension of my life. Without the water, the lilies cannot live, as I am without art.” “I must have flowers. Always and always.”

-C. Monet

A famous quote from Monet regarding his deep love for flowers and particularly his collection of gorgeous water lilies. We couldn’t agree more, they truly are magnificent, all the while adding playfulness and whimsy to any water garden.

We believe a garden pond isn’t complete without a water lily – as nothing can compare with their dramatic leaves and beautiful flowers. Did you know, they are also attractive to bees, dragonflies and butterflies when in flower, too?

Once you know the secret to planting and growing healthy lilies, you’ll reap the reward of seeing bloom after spectacular bloom. So here’s Five Easy Tips you need to know and how to properly care for them.

Tip 1. Feed your Water Lilies

Fertilizer is “flower power” and key to enjoying a prolific display of blooms throughout the summer and into fall. When choosing to fertilize, you can choose between an annual fertilizer that you apply once the season begins, or you can utilize fertilizer tabs that you push into the soil every few weeks or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Either option is acceptable, but understand that waterlilies have an insatiable appetite and you must keep them fertilized to enjoy the best display of their beautiful blooms.

Tip 2. It’s Always Sunny…. in your pond

That’s excellent news, it should be when it comes to waterlily care, or at least for the best blooming results. Six hours of direct sunlight is just as important to your waterlilies as being properly fed. Partial sunlight isn’t enough exposure for most waterlilies to produce flower after flower. Sure, your lily pads will be substantial in the shade, but the parade of blooming color you’ve been hoping for will indefinitely come up short.

If your pond is located in a shady location, you can find a few shade-tolerant waterlilies that will perform well with about four hours of sun exposure a day. Just keep in mind, your best bet is six hours or more.

Tip 3. Putting Down (Water Lilies) Roots 

Waterlilies have large, robust root systems, so a large container is necessary for optimal growth.

Try to plant your waterlily in a large container specifically designed for lilies. A hardy waterlily should be potted in at least a 10″ wide pot, but larger is preferable – such as the Aquatic Lily Planter by Aquascape that measures 14” in diameter.

Tip 4. Select “Super” Soil

Choosing the best soil for your lillies is crucial, since it’s where the roots will grow. With all plants, the health and success of growth starts with the soil.

It’s important to use aquatic potting soil to plant your waterlily, rather than regular potting soil. Aquatic soil adequately meets the demands of aquatic plants and is a better choice than regular potting soil.

Spread a one-inch layer of aquatic potting soil in the bottom of a large lily planter. If you’re using an annual fertilizer that you apply once only, now is the time to spread it across the top of this thin layer of soil. (Please only use the recommended amount of fertilizer shown on the packaging instructions).

Next, add another thin layer of aquatic potting soil atop the fertilizer. Remove the lily from its original garden center pot and set it atop the soil. Be sure to fill in the sides of the lily planter with additional pond plant soil. If you opted to use a plant tab-type fertilizer, you can add them now.  Adding river rocks or other small pebbles on top of the soil is recommended to keep the potting media from leaching out into the water.

Tip 5.Home Sweet Home 

It’s time to give your waterlily a home! Place your new green goddess into the pond. Check the planting depth on the tag that came with your waterlily and place it at the proper depth level. This will typically be the bottom of your pond, if it’s around two feet deep. You can also place the waterlily on a plant shelf if your pond is fairly deep. Again, it’s important to make sure that your lily will get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.  Aquascape Aquatic Lily Planter are conveniently equipped with strong handles to easily lower the pot into the pond.

Following the above tips, and with proper sun and fertilizer, your waterlilies will produce bountiful blooms throughout the season. Please remember that water lilies thrive when their needs are fully met with all the proper conditions. Continue to fertilize them throughout the season, if you opted for a fertilizer tab. If you used an annual type fertilize, you won’t need to add it again until the next pond season.  Contact us for more information.