Water Lilies

Water Lilies are an essential element in any garden pond and are available for sale online. And you can get dwarf varieties suitable for growing in containers, so why not take a look.

The two main types of water lilies are what are commonly called tropical water lilies and those that are called hardy water lilies.

The tropical types grow from bulbs and the flowers are very fragrant.

The hardy types grow from rhizomes and the flowers are not so fragrant.

The fragrant water lily or Nymphaea odorata is perhaps the most widely grown water lily.

These are a floating plant that grow best in slow moving water or ponds where the roots can establish in silt. They do require a fair amount of sun to grow and flower properly.

Remember that some varieties require more warmth than others so ask before buying.

How to grow Water Lilies – Basic Care

Water Lilies are a fantastic addition to any pond, two types tropical and hardier cool climate varieties can be grown together and this will extend the flowering season.

Use an ordinary garden topsoil to pot the plants, potting mix can be too light.

• Trim back the roots and remove dead leaves before planting.
• The plants are grown in pots, using a good quality ‘heavy’ potting mix or garden soil, the pots are then submersed in water.
• River pebbles placed on top of the soil can help keep the soil in place.
• With both giant and miniature water lilies available you will be sure to find a suitable water lily for your pond or container.
• Plant water lilies at 35 – 45cm deep with at least 1sq m of surface area for each plant.
• Fertilize plants regularly with a slow release fertilizer.
• Remember that water lilies need sun to flower properly, 6 – 8 hours a day.
• Water lilies flower in warmer months, a spell of cold weather during early summer can hinder flowering.

Water lilies come from two families Nymphaeaceae and Nelumbonaceae or Lotus. Nymphaea alba is a white waterlily for cooler climates, Nymphaea ‘Aussie Blue’ is a blue lily suitable for tropical climates. Nelumbo nucifera is the sacred lotus of Hinduism and also Buddhism (also national flower of India)

Only the smaller varieties are suited to growing in water features, so be a little careful when choosing the variety for this use.

You may also be interested in

• Lotus
• Blue Lotus
• Victoria amazonica – Giant Water Lily
• Garden Ponds
• Water Features
• Stone Water Features
• Pond algae
• Pond liners
• Pond pumps
• Underwater lighting

Water Lilies Plants are available for sale from the following nurseries and grower

GARDEN EXPRESS - phone :1300 606 242
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au