Virginalis Waterlily

What is a Pre-Order?

A pre-order reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship.

• Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant.
• Plants are shipped once they’ve developed strong roots to ensure safe travel.
• Frost-Sensitive Plants are held until the last frosts have passed.

Benefits of Pre-Ordering

Pre-ordering ensures you:

• Secure popular plants before they sell out.
• Receive healthy, well-rooted plants ready to thrive in your pond straight from the grower.

When is Payment Taken?

Payment is taken at checkout to guarantee your plant is reserved. If we can’t supply your plant, we’ll contact you to offer an alternative or a full refund.

Plant Availability

We release plants in phases throughout the season:

• Phase 1 (March–April): Ships by late April at latest, plants in this phase will include Water Hawthorn, Marsh Marigold, Iris, and some waterlilies.
  
  
• Phase 2 (May): Ships by late May at latest, plants in this phase will include Loosestrife, Frogbit, Brandy Bottle, and Pygmaea Waterlilies.
  
  
• Phase 3 (June): Ships by late June at latest, plants in this phase will include Pickerel Weed and Water Lettuce.

Plants labelled 'Not Available for Pre-Order' will be released for general sale once ready.

Important Notes

• If your order contains both pre-order and ready-to-ship plants, the entire order will be held until all items are ready.
• To avoid delays, we recommend you place two separate orders, one for pre-order plants and one for ready-to-ship plants.
• Estimated availability dates are listed on product pages but may vary due to weather conditions.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about your pre-order or want an update, feel free to contact us.

Will my waterlily arrive potted?
Yes, all 1ltr, 3ltr, 10ltr and 30ltr waterlilies arrive pre-planted in a Finofil aquatic basket, potted with aquatic compost and aquatic fertiliser.


What are the pot dimensions?
1 ltr Plants - Finofil 1 ltr square 11cm x 11cm x 11cm high
2ltr Plants - Finofil 2 ltr round 17cm dia x 13cm high
3 ltr Plants - Finofil 3 ltr hexagonal  18cm x 18cm x 16cm high
10 ltr Plants - Finofil 10ltr Square 29cm x 29cm x 19cm (weight 12 kgs)
30 ltr Plants - Finofil 30ltr Square 40cm x 40cm x 28cm (weight 50 kgs)


How deep do I place my waterlilies?
Place the water lily in your pond so that the current leaves remain on the surface, gradually lower over the season as the leaves grows outwards across the surface, making sure the leaves remain on the surface.

Water Lilies like still water, they also like to keep their leaves dry, do not place them too close to fountains or other splashing water.

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


How many waterlilies do I need for my pond?
1 x 1ltr per 1 sq metre
1 x 3ltr per 1/2 sq metres
1 x 10ltr per 2/3 sq metres
1 x 30ltr per 4/5 sq metres

Aim to have at least half to two-thirds of the surface of your pond covered by high summer. This cover will ensure the water stays cool for pond wildlife and decrease algae growth.


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.