Hardy Water Lilies

Hardy water lilies provide beautiful blossoms year after year and are able to thrive throughout the winter. They offer a large assortment of blossom colors, shapes, and sizes to enrich the look of any water garden. The colorful blossoms rest open on the water, surrounded by multicolored foliage. Hardy water lilies are single colored, with some changing color as they mature. These lilies produce blossoms from May to October when well cared for.

It is important to consider water depth when arranging your water garden. The top of the plant container should be places within 6 to 18 inches from the surface of the water. This will allow plenty of light to filter through to the plant. Hardy water lilies require at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight and most require more. As blossoms die, they need to be cut back to allow for new growth. You should also remove yellowing foliage.

Fertilize properly to ensure the maximum growth and health of the plant. During the summer months, feed once per month in June, July, and August, using three tablets per pot Place the fertilization tablets directly into the container.

In winter months (after the foliage and blossoms are cut back) place the container in deeper water. In order to protect hardy water lilies from freezing in winter, they should be kept at a depth of at least 18 inches. In an unusually cold winter, when a pond might freeze solid, you will want to be sure the roots of the hardy water lily do not freeze.

Merrifield Garden Center carries over 15 types of hardy water lilies throughout the summer months. The varieties are listed on the back of this page. If you are interested in obtaining a variety that is not listed, please speak with one of our professional staff members about a special order.