Hardy
Water Lilies
What Zone are these Water Lilies considered Hardy?
"Hardy" Water Lilies grow from year to year
(as herbaceous perennials) with a minimum of care in zones 5 & 6.
Some varieties are "hardier"
than others but generally these plants all will survive our winters provided
that they are dropped to the bottom of the pond (warmest and most likely ice-free)
in October or November when doing your "winter prep".
We're using H1 to indicate the hardiest varieties (often surviving even if plants become somewhat frozen) and H2 to indicate those less hardy - likely to be seriously injured if ice forms around their crowns.
When do they Flower?
They begin flowering in the later half of May and
continue to produce blossoms until late September. Some varieties will
tolerate partial shade but all will grow and flower more vigorously with
more sun.Make sure you lift them up (onto shelf or pedestal
that allow 6-12" of water above the crown) in April to get the most growth
(and earliest flowers).
Should they be fertilized and when?
Yes, We do regular monthly fertilization (we use Pondtabbs
tablets) from April thru August is essential for good flower production.
How big do they get?
Plant sizes vary greatly but they
all can be controlled or encouraged by the use of appropriate pots.Most
commercial growers use a 9 or 10" pot that produces a plant with a 2 to
3' spread. Although bare-root plants take up to a full season to become
established, a "mature" lily in a 9" pot is easily repotted into
a 16" (ask for a Lerio BP167) and in a matter of weeks yields a plant with
a 4-6' spread (or use a 23" Lerio HC2310 or B20S to yield an even larger
plant) with no loss of flower production. If your pond is 10' x 15' or
slightly larger, the BP167 will produce a lily nicely proportionate to the pond.
Should they be put in a planting pocket?
Some sources recommend putting "pockets"
into the pond and filling with soil (or Kitty litter???) for direct planting.
This cuts down your options for plants and easy maintenance and also, after
its initial growth spurt, requires a real effort to "weed" that pocket
or to rejuvenate the plant. Containerized lilies are much easier to
deal with!
Attraction-
Gives a vibrant dark red bloom. This slightly fragrant lily tolerates partial shade. The plant can grow to be anywhere from a medium to large sized waterlily.(H2)
Burgundy Princess-produces a steady succession of dark burgundy flowers 3-4" across. This moderate sized plant grows quickly to form a nice full clump. The new leaves are a dark maroon that mature to a rich green. This is among the hardiest of the lilies (H1).
Chubby-produces large, bowl-shaped, light-pink blossoms. This lily also has lightly mottled leaves to match its beautiful fragrance. This could be that wonderful little addition you have been looking for.
Colorado-producing beautiful changeable flowers above mottled leaves, this lily is a prime example of an extremely popular new hybrid.
Escarboucle (Aflame)-produces frequent crimson red to dark wine blossoms. These star-like blooms can measure up to 10" across and have a spicy fragrance. It likes plenty of space and is a good choice for even the largest of ponds (using a 16" or 23" container).
Firecrest-is a vigorous grower (but can be restrained by pot size), generally considered "eas+y". It's narrow pink petals contrast nicely with red-tipped stamens and offer a sweet fragrance. (H1)
Florida Sunset-yielding large cup-shaped yellow flowers with a hint of pink, this lily is accented by elegance. The mottled leaves emphasize the strong blooming flowers. This lily can grow to various sizes ranging from medium to large.
Georgia Peach-is a newer introduction that offers flowers (held high above the water) to match it's name. It is a strong grower that flowers prolifically above well-formed, mottled foliage. Possibly hardier than H2 but very worthy!
Joey Tomocik-offers large bright-yellow flowers held high above water. It is a good grower in full sun but is sensitive to ice damage (H2) - vivid color makes it a popular choice.
Mayla-has large double fuchsia-pink blossoms and many of them. It's vigorous growth (H2) and wide spread make it a natural for medium to large pools - use an appropriate container and enjoy!
Nigel-is reputed to be particularly good for use as a cut flower. It's dark pink, double flowers are fragrant and appear regularly to our great enjoyment. It can be a larger plant (H2) when given room to grow.
Paul Harriot-emitting picturesque changeable flowers over mildly mottled foliage. The flower starts off as a gorgeous yellow and ages to a coppery-red. This lily can be potted into tubs or small to medium pots.
Pink Beauty-has rich pink petals with paler pink tips. It is both hardy (H1) and vigorous, yet grows to only a moderate size. These intensely luscious blossoms typify the great beauty of the water garden.
Pink Sunrise-is actually a sister hybrid to Mayla but seems to be hardier (H1). It offers a steady profusion of vibrant pink flowers. It is a vigorous grower that tolerates some shade and responds quickly to a larger container.
Queen of Whites-offers classic cup-shaped blossoms with broad white petals. It has a slight fragrance and has a rich green foliage. White blossoms are more visible from a distance or against dark backgrounds than other colors. (H2)
Sioux-flowers pale yellow on the first day of opening and turn more orange, then coppery each successive day. This is perhaps the best of the "changeable" lilies and often among those flowering latest into the autumn. It has mottled leaves and a medium spread that make it a popular choice. (H2)
Spice-holds it's gorgeous and fragrant flowers (light yellow with hints of peach) high above it's slightly mottled foliage. It is a strong but slow grower that will form a wonderful clump with time.
Texas Dawn-is a vigorous and very hardy (H1) favorite. It produces many large yellow, fragrant blossoms, even in partial shade - held well above it's uniquely mottled foliage.
Walter Pagels-produces a steady show of creamy white, fragrant flowers. Although a small to medium plant, it does readily form a showy clump (H1). Well suited to small to medium ponds, it is often recommended for tub gardens (although we prefer to use Tropical lilies for those tubs).
Yellow Queen-has regal deep yellow blooms, in abundance, on a medium to large plant. It's olive green leaves are mottled with purple speckles and combine with the flowers to make it a focal point in many ponds. Strong and hardy(H1)!
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