Why Your Pond Needs Waterlilies

Waterlilies are more than just beautiful plants, they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. Their broad leaves provide shade, helping to regulate water temperature and reduce the growth of algae by limiting sunlight penetration. The floating pads also create safe resting spots for insects and shelter for amphibians and fish beneath the surface.

The flowers of waterlilies are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and dragonflies to your pond. Their roots and submerged stems provide valuable habitat for aquatic creatures, supporting a balanced food chain.

Planting waterlilies helps create a stable and self-sustaining pond environment. They help oxygenate the water and improve clarity by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing the risk of algal blooms.

10 Golden Rules for Waterlilies – How to Get the Best Growth and Blooms

Following these key guidelines will ensure your waterlilies thrive and bloom beautifully season after season:

1. Waterlilies don’t need to be planted as deep as some people think! Ideally, plant them no deeper than 85cm. The optimal planting depth is between 60cm to 85cm for the best flowering and growth. The exception is specialised pygmaea waterlilies, which prefer shallower depths of 30cm to 50cm.
   
   
2. Waterlilies need full sun to bloom. They rely on morning sun to warm up and will typically open their flowers around lunchtime. Without enough sun, flowering will be limited.
   
   
3. Waterlilies grow best in still water. Keep them away from fountains, waterfalls and strong currents, as splashing and movement can damage the leaves and reduce flowering. When topping up your pond, avoid spraying directly onto the lily pads as this can cause them to scorch and rot.
   
   
4. If your waterlilies are planted in shallow water, consider lowering them to a deeper part of the pond during winter. This will protect the crown from frost damage, which can kill the plant.
   
   
5. When planting or repositioning waterlilies, lower them gradually into the water. Waterlilies breathe through microscopic holes in their leaves - dropping them suddenly into deep water can essentially drown them.
   
   
6. Waterlilies are heavy feeders. Keep them in pots and feed them with an aquatic fertiliser every spring, use one tablet per 3ltr pot to encourage strong growth and more flowers.
   
   
7. Every 2-3 years, repot your waterlilies to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth. Trim away any dead or dying leaves and flowers to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.
   
   
8. Waterlilies don’t like to be shaded by tall marginal plants or other aquatic plants. Make sure they have their own space and enough sunlight to thrive. If the leaves are standing up rather than floating on the water, it’s a sign that the plants are too crowded – spread them out to give them more room.
   
   
9. Removing spent flowers and yellowing leaves helps to prevent rotting and keeps the plant focused on producing new blooms.
   
   
10. If you have fish in your pond, protect your waterlily pots with stones or mesh to prevent fish from digging into the soil and disturbing the roots.