Step by Step Plants and Planting

Planting a Hardy Waterlily
Step-by-Step

Hardy waterlilies are often sold growing in baskets, and where they are clearly not over-potted or over-crowded, they can be top-dressed with a layer of well-washed fine gravel and placed directly into the pond. For the most part though, they benefit from re-planting, and in many cases they are offered as bare-rooted lifted plants for the convenience of selling them. Waterlilies are best planted during the spring or early summer.

Either purchase, or if plants are being lifted and divided, select a strong vigorous young crown. Remove any of the old or dying root system. As most hardy waterlilies grow they push out new creeping root systems. The starchy remains of the old rootstock are of no further use and should be discarded.
	Remove all surplus fibrous root growth to within 1cm of the crown of the plant. These roots are highly perishable and will not assist in re-establishing the plant. By cutting off the old fibrous roots, fresh growth is stimulated which should make rapid progress. Pare back any dead tissue on the main crown.
All floating foliage and developing flower buds should be removed, the stems being cut back close to the main crown. If allowed to remain, the floating leaves will turn yellow and die. In the meantime they can serve as an irritating buoyancy aid and lift the plant right out of the basket.
	A fine example of a waterlily crown with a solid, starchy rootstock with a strong growing point and vigorous, spear-like underwater shoots. Embryo flower buds can remain as they are likely to develop into blossoms under favourable growing conditions.
Prepare a large planting basket with a suitable growing medium and plant the waterlily crown firmly in the centre. Water the compost thoroughly to drive out any air.
	Top-dress the basket with fine well-washed gravel to reduce the chance of the compost dirtying the water. It also helps to prevent fish from stirring up the compost in their quest for aquatic insect larvae. Water again thoroughly.
Newly planted waterlilies with their floating foliage removed can be placed on the floor of the pond in their final positions. They will rapidly establish themselves as this plant has done and produce a vigorous root system and both submerged and floating foliage. Planted before mid-summer, a reasonable show of foliage can be expected during the first season.