Brandy Bottle | Nupar lutea

Key Characteristics:

• Height 0cm to 10cm - Floating leaves and flowers
• Spread: 80cm to 100cm
• Depth: 50cm to 100cm
• Flower Colour: Bright yellow, buttercup-style flowers
• Growth Habit: Creeping rhizome, submerged, floating
• Foliage: Large, rounded, lily-like leaves.

Additional Information:

• Position: Full Sun. Still Water.
• Soil: Aquatic Soil
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Hardiness: Extremely hardy; tolerates below -20°C. (H7)
• UK Native 🇬🇧 | Loved by Amphibians 🐸 | Supports Pollinators 🐝

Dispatch Information:

• Normally Available From: April/May

Your deep water plant will arrive in a Finofil Aquatic Basket, pre-planted with aquatic soil and a slow-release fertiliser.

If your plant arrives with foliage, place the basket in your pond at a depth where the foliage floats on the surface. Gradually lower it to its final depth as the foliage grows.

If your plant arrives in autumn or winter, without foliage, you can place it directly at the recommended depth as indicated on the care label.

Avoid submerging the leaves immediately, as deep water plants breathe through their foliage and fully submerging them could harm or drown the plant.

Depth is always measured from the top of the pot to the water's surface.

Aquatic Basket Measurements:

• 1ltr - Square pot (11cm x 11cm x 11cm high)
• 3ltr - Hexagonal pot (18cm x 18cm x 16cm high)
• 10ltr - Square pot (29cm x 29cm x 19cm high). These plants weigh 12kgs.

Growing Instructions: Place the pre-planted basket into your pond, ensuring the foliage floats on the surface. Gradually lower the basket to its final depth as the plant grows. Refer to the 'Planting Essentials' or care label for specific depth requirements.

Growing Tips: Thrives in full sun or partial shade; tolerates running water if anchored.

Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers regularly to prevent decay and maintain water quality.

Pests/Diseases: Rarely affected by pests or diseases, but monitor for water snails that may damage leaves.

What’s the Difference Between Waterlilies and Deep-Water Pond Plants?

Waterlilies and deep-water plants may seem similar, but they serve different purposes in a pond. Waterlilies have large, flat leaves that float on the surface, creating a dense canopy of shade, while deep-water plants like Water Hawthorn or Brandy Bottle have more delicate, upright flowers and varied leaf textures.

Co-planting them works beautifully—Water Hawthorn flowers early in spring when waterlilies are dormant, providing early-season interest and shelter for pond life. As the waterlilies come into bloom in summer, they take over, creating a stunning, layered look with different leaf styles, flower types, and increased shade to reduce algae growth and keep the pond cool and healthy.

Where Should I Place my Deep Water Plants in the Pond?

Deep water plants should be treated similarly to waterlilies, with each variety having its specific depth requirements.

When your plant arrives, start by placing it on a pond shelf at a depth where its current foliage can float on the water's surface. This ensures the plant can breathe and transport oxygen to its roots effectively.

Gradually lower the plant as it grows throughout the season, until it reaches its recommended final depth.

Deep water plants are adaptable, thriving in shaded areas and even in ponds with gentle water movement.

How many deep water plants do I need for my pond?

4 to 5 - 1ltr plants per sqm
2 to 3 - 3 ltr plants per sqm
1 x 3ltr plant per sqm for large ponds of 20+ sqm

Deep-water plants play an important role in achieving the recommended two-thirds pond coverage for a healthy and thriving pond. Their submerged foliage helps oxygenate the water, while their floating or emergent leaves contribute to shade and reduce algae growth.

In a 6sqm pond, you might aim for 1sqm of deep-water plants alongside 2sqm of waterlilies and 1sqm of floating plants, creating a balanced mix to keep your pond cool and provide shelter for pond life.

Do I need to line my basket with hessian?

No, Finofil baskets have been designed to have a very fine mesh structure to stop soil loss.

What are your planting baskets made from?

Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK.  They can be recycled at your local recycling centre or any kerb side recycling that collects black plastic.  Plant labels are recyclable.

Will carp and ducks eat my plants?

Yes!  Koi and other varieties of carp find all pond plants very tasty - so we cannot recommend any plants for your pond unless they can be protected by some form of barrier.

Goldfish will nibble at oxygenators and softer leaved plants in your pond.  They are omnivores so will also eat larvae, insects and tadpoles.

Wildfowl will also eat plants, we suggest buying more mature plants with established root systems and protecting the roots/rhizomes as best as you can to prevent damage from eating and nesting.

What is a Pre-Order?

Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.

Ordering Tip!

Many customers prefer to place two separate orders when ordering early in the season.

1. One for plants available now.
2. One for pre-order plants.

This ensures there are no delays, and you can enjoy your ready now plants sooner.

Read More about pre-orders

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Shipping Prices

Plant Orders:

• Standard Delivery: £6.00.
• Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).

Highlands & Islands:

• Small Orders (<1.8kg): £6.00.
• Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.

Soil & Gravel:
Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.

Container Ponds:
Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.

Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Europe.

Read More about delivery prices

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Couriers & Delivery Schedule

Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, DX and Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).

Shipping Schedule

• Aquatic Plants: Dispatch Schedule varies dependant on season.
• Garden Plants: Dispatched twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk

 

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Returns

Unpacking Your Plants

When your plants arrive, please unpack them carefully:

• Plants are packed in protective plastic bags. Check if any stems, leaves, or flowers are stuck to the inside of the bag before removing it.
• Gently peel off any stuck parts before removing the plant to prevent damage.
• Minor soil displacement or damage to leaves/stems during transit is normal and won’t affect the plant’s recovery.

If you’re concerned about your plants, take photos and email us, and we’ll assist you.

Damaged or Incorrect Items

If your plants or items arrive damaged, or you’ve received an incorrect item:

1. Take clear photos of the packaging and damaged items.
2. Email us with your order number (starting PFP) and the photos.

We’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Returns of Plants/Molluscs (Non-Faulty)

Due to the perishable nature of plants and molluscs, we are unable to accept cancellations or returns for these items. If you are unhappy with your plant or mollusc, please take photos and email us with your order number (starting PFP).

For more details about returns and our full policy, please visit our Returns Policy