Introduction

Hardy water lilies are aquatic plants that add beauty and charm to ponds, water gardens, and aquatic landscapes. They are known for their large, colorful, and fragrant flowers that bloom during the summer months. If you want to plant hardy water lilies in your pond, it's essential to know which species can be planted at a depth of 4 feet.

Water Lily Varieties

There are several varieties of hardy water lilies that can be planted 4-foot-deep. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Nymphaea 'Attraction'

The Nymphaea 'Attraction' is a popular hardy water lily that produces large, deep-red flowers with bright yellow stamens. It can thrive in water up to 4 feet deep, and it's a perfect choice for medium to large ponds. The 'Attraction' variety blooms from June to September, and it requires full sun exposure to grow and bloom.

Nymphaea 'James Brydon'

The Nymphaea 'James Brydon' is another variety of hardy water lily that can be planted 4-foot-deep. It features vibrant, dark red petals and dark green foliage. This variety blooms from June to September, and it requires full sun exposure to grow and bloom. The 'James Brydon' is ideal for large ponds and water gardens, and it's relatively easy to care for.

Nymphaea 'Perry's Fire Opal'

The Nymphaea 'Perry's Fire Opal' is a stunning hardy water lily that produces bright, peach-colored flowers that deepen in color with age. This variety can grow in water up to 4 feet deep, making it a perfect choice for large ponds and water gardens. The 'Perry's Fire Opal' is also easy to care for, and it requires full sun exposure to thrive.

Planting Hardy Water Lilies

When planting hardy water lilies, it's crucial to follow these essential steps:

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Location

Select a location in your pond or water garden that receives full sunlight exposure for at least 6-8 hours a day. The area should also have still or slow-moving water, as the hardy water lilies prefer calm waters.

Step 2: Prepare the Planting Container

You'll need a planting container that's at least 12-18 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. Fill the container with a mixture of loam or topsoil and aquatic compost. Place the container in the desired area of your pond or water garden.

Step 3: Plant the Water Lily

Remove the hardy water lily from its original pot and gently remove any excess soil from the roots. Plant the water lily in the prepared container, ensuring that the crown of the plant is at the soil's surface level.

Step 4: Add Gravel or Pebbles

Add a layer of gravel or pebbles to the soil surface to help anchor the plant and keep the soil from floating away. It also provides a natural look to your hardy water lily container.

Step 5: Care for Your Water Lily

Once you've planted the hardy water lily, it's essential to care for it properly. The plant needs about 6-8 hours of sunlight exposure and a regular fertilization schedule during the growing season. You can use slow-release fertilizers or apply a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Also, remember to remove any dead flowers or foliage to encourage new growth.

Conclusion

When it comes to planting hardy water lilies, choosing the right species that can thrive at the desired depth is essential. The Nymphaea 'Attraction,' 'James Brydon,' and 'Perry's Fire Opal' are some of the popular varieties that can grow in water up to 4 feet deep. Remember to follow the proper planting steps and care instructions to ensure your hardy water lilies grow and bloom beautifully.