Water lilies (Nymphaea) are popular aquatic plants used to adorn ponds and water gardens. Their broad, floating leaves and spectacular blooms provide shade for aquatic life while adding aesthetic value to any water feature. Acquiring these plants requires careful consideration of where to purchase them and what characteristics indicate a healthy specimen. This guide helps navigate the buying process to ensure you select the best water lily for your environment.
Choosing the Right Source for Water Lilies
Specialized online aquatic nurseries offer the deepest selection of water lily cultivars, including rare varieties unavailable elsewhere. These suppliers have expert staff who understand the specific needs of packaging and shipping live aquatic plants. While the selection is superior, buyers must factor in potentially high shipping costs and the risk of transit stress or damage.
Local garden centers or dedicated water feature stores allow for physical inspection, letting buyers assess the plant’s health firsthand. This local option eliminates shipping stress and provides instant gratification, allowing immediate planting. However, the inventory is usually limited to common, proven varieties suitable for the local climate.
When considering big box stores, exercise caution, especially regarding bare-root or dormant bulbs packaged in plastic. These sources often prioritize high volume and low cost, meaning plants may have been improperly stored or mislabeled. It is difficult to assess the long-term viability of a lily sold in a dormant state without visible leaves or roots.
Purchasing from a reputable source minimizes the chance of receiving a misidentified species or a lily infected with pests or diseases. A reliable supplier provides clear instructions for planting and acclimatization. Prioritizing quality and expert handling usually results in a healthier, more vigorous plant establishment.
Selecting the Ideal Variety: Hardy Versus Tropical
Understanding the difference between hardy and tropical water lilies is necessary, as this choice is dictated by your local climate. Hardy water lilies are perennial plants that survive freezing temperatures by becoming dormant in winter. These varieties are the most common choice for beginners and are suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 11, making them reliable, long-term fixtures.
Tropical water lilies are annuals in most temperate climates and must be overwintered indoors or replaced each spring. They require consistently warmer water temperatures, generally above 70°F (21°C), to thrive and bloom prolifically. Tropical lilies often have more vibrant colors, including blues and purples not found in hardy varieties, and many are fragrant or bloom at night.
The growth pattern also distinguishes the two types. Hardy lilies generally hold their flowers close to or floating on the water surface. Tropical varieties typically hold their flowers several inches above the water, creating a more dramatic, upright display.
Inspecting and Receiving Your Lily
Water lilies are typically purchased either as potted specimens or as bare-root divisions, and immediate care differs between the two formats. Potted lilies are established in soil and can often be placed directly into the pond or a larger container. Bare-root purchases consist solely of the rhizome—the thick, fleshy stem structure—and must be planted immediately upon arrival to prevent drying out.
When inspecting a lily, look for a firm, solid rhizome without any soft, mushy, or discolored areas, which indicate rot. Healthy leaves should be vibrant green, with no signs of yellowing, holes, or frayed edges suggesting pest damage. Pay close attention to the undersides of the leaves for clustering insects like aquatic aphids or the presence of snail eggs, which should be avoided.
If the lily arrives via mail, it may show signs of temporary stress from shipping. Upon unpacking, immediately soak the roots or rhizome in water for a few hours before planting. Initially placing the newly planted lily in a partially shaded area of the pond for a day or two helps it acclimate before moving it to its final, sunny location.
Timing the Acquisition and Planting
The optimal time for purchasing and introducing water lilies is during the spring through early summer months. This window allows the plant sufficient time to establish a robust root system and produce abundant blooms. Water temperature is the primary deciding factor, with consistent temperatures above 60°F (15°C) necessary for active growth and successful planting.
Purchasing a lily too early when the water is still cold can shock the plant, causing slow establishment and potentially inviting rot. While hardy lilies can be acquired in late fall or winter, they will be dormant, making it difficult to assess their health and viability. A dormant plant purchased late in the season may struggle to establish itself before the next period of freezing temperatures arrives.
It is advisable to only purchase a water lily when you are ready to plant it immediately, especially bare-root specimens. Any delay in planting increases the risk of the rhizome drying out or becoming susceptible to fungal issues. Aligning the acquisition with favorable water temperatures ensures the plant receives the best start in its new aquatic environment.