Water lilies (Nymphaea species), often referred to as lily pads, are a foundational component of a healthy pond ecosystem. These aquatic plants offer multiple benefits, including shading the water to help suppress algae growth and providing shelter for fish. They contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal and biological balance of any water feature. Acquiring these plants requires understanding the varieties available and knowing the most reliable sources for healthy specimens. This guide covers choosing the right variety and where to purchase them.
Choosing Between Hardy and Tropical Varieties
The first decision involves selecting between hardy and tropical water lily varieties. Hardy water lilies are perennial plants, meaning their rhizomes can survive freezing temperatures within the pond substrate during winter dormancy. These varieties are suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 10, depending on the cultivar and pond depth, and they bloom on the water’s surface, often in shades of white, pink, yellow, or red.
Tropical water lilies, by contrast, are generally grown as annuals in most temperate climates because they cannot tolerate water temperatures below approximately 50°F (10°C). They are known for more vibrant colors, including blues and purples, and many varieties hold their flowers several inches above the water’s surface, with some being night-bloomers. While they offer a greater variety in color and flower shape, tropical types require either overwintering indoors or annual replacement, making them a higher-maintenance option for colder regions.
Locating Reputable Aquatic Plant Suppliers
Finding a reliable source is important for purchasing healthy, disease-free water lilies. The three main avenues for acquisition are specialized online retailers, local aquatic nurseries, and home improvement stores.
Specialized online retailers often provide the widest selection of cultivars and typically ship the plants as bare-root rhizomes directly to the customer. This method is convenient for accessing specific plants but requires the buyer to handle the initial planting.
Local aquatic nurseries and dedicated garden centers offer local expertise and allow the buyer to physically inspect the plant’s health before purchase. These plants are frequently sold already potted in aquatic baskets, simplifying initial placement. The local staff can also offer tailored advice regarding varieties that thrive best in the regional climate.
Home improvement or large box stores sometimes carry a limited selection of common water lilies, often at a lower price point. However, the plants at these locations may receive less specialized care, so a thorough inspection for firm, healthy rhizomes and clean foliage is recommended before buying.
Regardless of the source, buyers will encounter two forms of purchase: potted plants, which are actively growing, and bare-root rhizomes, which are dormant. Potted plants establish faster but cost more, while bare-root rhizomes are more economical and travel better through shipping but require patience as they begin to grow.
Preparation and Initial Planting Requirements
Successful growth after purchase depends on immediate and proper planting. Water lilies must be planted in a heavy, clay-based soil or specialized aquatic planting mix, which is dense enough to remain submerged without clouding the water. Avoid standard potting mixes containing perlite or peat moss, as these materials will float and release excess nutrients that can fuel algae growth in the pond. The plant is best placed in a wide, shallow aquatic basket lined with burlap to contain the soil while still allowing water exchange.
The newly planted rhizome requires full sunlight, meaning the pond location should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sun exposure daily to encourage blooming. For hardy varieties, the pot should be submerged so the crown of the plant sits approximately 6 to 18 inches below the water surface, with larger cultivars requiring greater depth. Tropical varieties generally prefer slightly shallower placement, closer to 6 to 10 inches below the surface. It is often beneficial to start the potted plant in a shallower section of the pond and gradually move it to the final, deeper location as the leaves reach the surface.