Water lilies (Nymphaeaceae) are an aquatic plant adored for their large glossy floating leaves and multi petalled, colourful flowers. They originate from temperate and subtropical regions and adapt very well to Perth’s climatic conditions.

We stock the ‘hardy’ species, which means the flower sits gently on the water surface, as opposed to raised above it on a stem, as found in the ‘tropical’ species. Water lilies are a rhizomatous family of flowering plants, which means they send out a thick set of roots and shoots from the rhizome.

Position

Water lilies produce flowers through the warmer months. They will produce better when provided with a good position, ample sunlight and nutrition. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to grow well and produce blooms.

A depth of 40-60 cm in calm, still water is preferred. Do not place under a waterfall or water feature where constant splashing will damage the leaves and petals.

Water lilies are heavy feeders, particularly during their active growth and flowering. Use water plant fertiliser tablets pushed into the soil close to the roots to feed the plant. This will provide adequate slow-release nutrients without promoting algal growth.

Pot, Bowl or Pond?

Most gardeners prefer to keep the water lilies in a pot, submerged into a pond, wine barrel or decorative feature pot. This allows for easy access when the plant needs to be pruned, fertilised or transplanted.

When you buy your water lily, it may be either a bare-rooted crown or already in a pot or basket. If the plant is bare-rooted, you will need to pot it up as soon as possible and place it in the water. The leaves will grow to the depth of the water and float on the surface, followed by the flowers.

Water lilies need to be re-potted every few years as the crown and roots grow. This is best done in July/August when the plant is not in active growth.

Potting Up Water Lilies

To pot up your water lily, you will need a pot larger than the root ball, regular potting mix, aquatic fertiliser tablet and some pebbles.

First prune off any damaged roots or leaves. Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the pot to add some weight and help prevent the pot from tipping over. Add the regular potting mix to the pot.  Bury the fertiliser tablet within the soil then place the water lily on top so that the plant sits vertical and even.

Gently fan out the roots of the plant then add some more soil so that they are just covered. It is important to make sure the crown of the plant is just above the soil level. Finally, press a layer of gravel into the top of the soil to prevent it floating away.

Water the pot thoroughly so that the soil is saturated and settled. Slowly lower the pot into the water so that air can escape without pushing the soil out into the pond.

Place the pot at a depth of 40-60cm. If the water is too deep, the plant can be lifted with a couple of bricks underneath it.

Water Lily Care and Fertilising

Continue to care for your water lily through the flowering season by pushing a fertiliser tablet into the soil of the pot once a month. This will encourage more flowering.

Prune off any dead growth to prevent rot.

If mosquitoes become a problem in the water, add some native fish to keep the larvae levels under control.

Please note that this is intended as general information only. Please ask one of our qualified horticulturists for more specific advice for your situation.