Frequently Asked Questions
In ideal circumstances, healthy, hardy waterlilies (Nymphaea) can produce a succession of blooms from June right through to early September. Each bloom opens in the morning, and closes in the late afternoon, and lasts three to four days before sinking below the water.
Waterlilies will flower most profusely if they receive full sunshine, in warm still water, and if the rhizomes can send their roots out into fresh soil where they can pull out the necessary nutrients. They will perform less well in shaded situations or in cloudy cold summers.
Fertilizing and repotting
The plants will benefit from the addition of controlled release fertilisers during the growing season. If the lily leaves are getting smaller each year, the plant is suffering from major lack of nutrients and needs to be split and repotted.
Many lilies are sold in temporary small containers and need to be moved on to larger containers (10 litres or larger for lilies of medium/large growth). In certain cases they can be grown in a soil layer on the pool base - though this makes future maintenance more awkward. © www.aquapic.com
A loam rich soil will give best results. Avoid excessively sandy, peaty or chalky soils, or 100% clay. Young plants are better acclimatised in slightly shallower water before being moved to their final depth, which will vary according to the variety chosen. Typically, container grown waterlilies will require splitting and repotting every three to five years for best results (or every two to three years in warmer climates).
Problem situations
Lily blooms will become waterlogged and sink if they are sited too close to fountains. They will not bloom as well in shade; in spring fed pools; in very deep water; or in strong currents.
In koi pools, larger koi can root about in the containers searching for food, and this will severely disrupt the lilies. In such cases the lilies need to be planted in more solid sided containers with fewer holes and with a protective mesh ‘hood’. Even then, koi may damage the leaves – the lilies may need to be moved to an area of the pond away from the larger fish.
Right plant, right place
Some varieties/cultivars of lily are more free flowering than others, and different cultivars suit different situations. Aquapic will match the best flowering cultivars of the colour you prefer to your particular situation. Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
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My waterlilies are not flowering properly
