What Is The Required Planting Depth For Water Lilies?

Water lilies are a popular plant in gardens, with their spread varying depending on the size and depth of the pond. They have rhizomatous roots that anchor them in the sediment at the bottom of the water body, while their leaves and flowers emerge and float on the water’s surface. There are several types of water lilies, each requiring a specific planting depth.

To plant a water lily, place it on a 20cm-deep brick “plinth” and rinse off any soil. Trim root growth and dead leaves, locate buds where new blooms will grow, and cut tubers between them. Planting depth is measured from the top of the rhizome/basket to the surface of the pond. Dwarf (Pygmaea) and smaller lilies will do best between 15-25cm (6-10in), and most other water lilies will thrive between 30-60cm (12-24in).

Dwarf/small cultivars reach 30-60cm (1–2ft) wide and need water 30–45cm (12–18in) deep. Medium cultivars reach 60–120cm (2–4ft). Large waterlilies should sit 75cm below the surface, medium waterlilies 50cm below, and small waterlilies 20cm below.

For the first three months of growth, place new plants at a depth of 8-12″ for about the first three months. Set the base of the pot 12-16 inches deep, and as they grow, the leaves will float to the surface. If your plant has leaves already developing, set the pot at an 8″ minimum depth and up to 36″.

A container at least 12 to 15″ deep with a diameter of 24 to 36″ is recommended. Fill the decorative container with water before placing the waterlily, and submerge the container 6-18 inches deep. Water lilies will not grow in waters of more than 5 ft deep, and only a few cultivars will thrive in water that is 5 ft in depth.

How fast do water lilies spread?

The water lily propagates vegetatively via its rhizome and seeds, resulting in the formation of a surface cover of 15 feet within a five-year period. The rapid spread of water lilies through ponds presents a challenge to effective management of their network. The water lilies can flourish in waters of a depth of 6-7 feet, with the optimal depth varying based on the water clarity.

How deep should I plant lilies?

Spring bulb planting should be done two to three times as deep as the bulb’s height, with larger bulbs like Bulb-Zilla lilies planting about 6 inches deep and smaller bulbs 3-4 inches deep. The depth should be measured from the soil surface to the bulb’s shoulder and perennials’ eyes or crowns. Plant distance is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next. There are two methods for planting: digging individual holes for each plant with a garden trowel or bulb planters, filling the hole with loose soil and Breck’s Food for Bulbs and Perennials, and placing the plant in the hole and covering it with loose soil.

Gently push the soil around the plant to prevent air pockets. If planting multiple plants in a single area, dig an entire bed to planting depth and place each plant precisely before covering with soil.

Do lilies have deep roots?

Lilies grow new roots each year from the bottom of the bulb, known as the basal plate, and along the underground stem portion. These roots anchor bulbs against high wind, access buried nutrients, and maintain long-term plant health. When dividing bulbs, many bottom roots are lost, but stem roots, formed above the bulb, are more important. Encouraging stem roots after transplanting is crucial as they need nutrients within the top 2-3 inches of soil, which can be achieved with fertilizer, compost, or manure. If lilies are not planted deep enough, these roots may not form or be exposed to air, affecting the plant’s health.

How deep do lilies root?

Plant basal-rooting lilies at a depth equal to the bulb’s height, while stem-rooting lilies should be planted at a depth about two-and-a-half times the bulb’s height. Plant the bulbs with their basal plate facing downwards and the pointed tip of the bulb scales pointing upwards. For compost, soil-based John Innes composts are recommended, with John Innes No 3 being the recommended choice. If the compost appears too dense, add 20 percent of horticultural grit and peat-free multi-purpose compost or leaf mould for better drainage. Some lilies, like L. auratum and L. speciosum, should be potted into pure ericaceous compost.

Do water lilies oxygenate a pond?

Lily pads are beneficial for pond ecosystems, providing shade, protection for fish, and absorbing excess nutrients to prevent algae growth. They also help oxygenate ponds by releasing oxygen through their leaves. However, they can also cause problems if left unchecked, as they can quickly spread and block sunlight from reaching the bottom of the pond, making it difficult for plants and aquatic creatures to thrive.

To control lily pad problems, heavy-duty Pond Shears may be needed. The answer to whether lily pads are good or bad for a pond depends on the situation. If managed properly, they can add beauty and benefits to a pond, but if left unchecked, they can cause issues.

How quickly do water lilies spread?

The water lily propagates vegetatively via its rhizome and seeds, resulting in the formation of a surface cover of 15 feet within a five-year period. The rapid spread of water lilies through ponds presents a challenge to their management. The water lilies can flourish in waters of 6-7 feet in depth, with the optimal depth varying based on water clarity.

Do lilies need deep soil?

Lily bulbs should be planted at least 12cm above the bulb, with deeper plantings providing extra winter protection. They should be planted 15cm apart and three times the depth of the bulb’s height. To care for lilies, support tall-growing plants with a plant support, feed them with tomato feed every fortnight, and deadhead spent blooms to prevent energy waste on seed production. Martagon lilies self-seed, but this rule applies only to them. Flowering stems should not be cut back to soil level, but left in place until they brown, providing energy for the bulb.

Do water lilies out oxygenate a pond?

Lilies are beneficial for ponds due to their ecological benefits. They oxygenate water through their leaves and roots, supporting aquatic life and ensuring fish health. Lily pads act as natural filters, absorbing excess nutrients and contaminants, preventing algal blooms and maintaining water clarity. They also provide habitat and shelter for various aquatic organisms, making them a smart choice for ponds. Overall, incorporating water lilies into your pond is a smart choice for enhancing the health of your pond ecosystem.

Should water lilies be fully submerged?

Plant waterlilies in your pond from April to September, choosing the appropriate size for your pond. Large waterlilies should sit 75cm below the surface, medium waterlilies 50cm below, and small waterlilies 20cm below. If your pond is too deep, add bricks to achieve the ideal depth. Water lilies are not often sold at garden centres, so contact a specialist grower for a full range. If your pond has a solid liner, plant your waterlily in an aquatic basket filled with aquatic compost, rhizome, and lime-free pea gravel.

Avoid planting at the final depth immediately, as this can shock and kill the plant. Place the waterlily about 20cm below the surface, preferably on a “plinth” of bricks, and gradually lower the depth over the next month.

Can water lilies survive in shallow water?

Water lilies can grow up to five feet deep in ponds, covering the entire lake if three feet deep. They only grow in shallow water in most stormwater ponds, which are six to nine feet deep. These lilies form a charming band around the perimeter, transforming a man-made stormwater pond into a more natural-looking lake. Controlling lilies in shallow water can be achieved by keeping them in containers, which allows for fertilization, control of blooms, and placement. Botanical gardens use this technique to create stunning displays and manage lily growth in shallow ponds.

Do water lilies have deep roots?

Lily pads are popular for their dimension, beauty, and variety. They grow from tubers and prefer to be 24-inches deep in fresh water. Different types of water lilies thrive in different planting zones, such as Zone 5, which is where most of Colorado is located. Hardy water lilies thrive in this zone, which can withstand temperatures between -10°F and -20°F. Tropical lilies, which bloom at night, are fun but cannot withstand the cold, so they are not recommended for purchase in Colorado.