How to plant a water lily in your pond

If you have a pond, adding a water lily can bring some beautiful and colorful life to your backyard oasis. Water lilies are not only beautiful to look at but also provide a great source of shade for your pond, which can help keep the water cool and prevent algae growth. In this article, we will go over the steps to plant a water lily in your pond.

Choose the right water lily

Before planting, you should choose the right water lily for your pond. Make sure to choose a water lily that will thrive in your growing zone and the size of your pond. There are two types of water lilies- hardy and tropical. Hardy water lilies can survive in colder climates and can be grown in large and small ponds. Tropical water lilies, on the other hand, need a warmer climate to grow and are best suited for large ponds.

Prepare the planting area

Once you have selected the right water lily for your pond, you need to prepare the planting area. First, make sure that the water depth is at least 18 inches deep. Next, remove any debris or weeds from the planting area. If your pond does not have a planting shelf, create one by placing rocks at the bottom of the pond. The planting shelf should be about 12 inches wide and deep enough to hold the water lily container.

Planting the water lily

Now that you have prepared the planting area, it is time to plant your water lily. First, remove the water lily from its container and gently remove any soil around the roots. Next, place the water lily on the planting shelf and carefully spread the roots out. Cover the roots with soil or gravel, leaving the crown of the plant exposed. The crown of the plant should be at or just below the water surface.

Caring for the water lily

After planting the water lily, it is important to care for it properly. Water lilies need sunlight to grow, so make sure your pond receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. You should also fertilize your water lily monthly during the growing season with a specialized water lily fertilizer. This will promote new growth and beautiful blooming flowers.

In addition to fertilizing, you should also remove any dead leaves or flowers from the water lily. This will not only keep your pond looking clean but also help prevent any decaying material from affecting other aquatic plants or animals in your pond.

In conclusion

Adding a water lily to your pond can bring life and beauty to your backyard oasis. By choosing the right water lily for your pond, preparing the planting area, and properly caring for it, you can enjoy the beauty of your water lily for many years to come.