Beginning as early as February, we heat up the Green House to give these water garden favorites a good head start for the season. Ready for planting in May without waiting for them to reach maturity during the summer months.
Water Lilies
Lilies are often the focal point of most ponds and are very hardy. The larger varieties are planted so there is 12” - 24” of water over the top of the pot, smaller varieties under 6” - 18” of water. The uniqueness of lilies is the ability for the pads to grow to the top of the water surface no matter the depth.
Each lily pad (leaf) will only live 3 - 4 weeks, turning yellow in the end. When the leaves turn yellow, simply reach into the water and cut the leaf away. Do the same for the flower buds when they are done blooming. Do not “tug” on the leaf from the top of the water as you can pull the plant out of the pot. Keep your plants cleaned of fading foliage and flowers to keep organic matter in the pond to a minimum.
Lilies are heavy feeders and in order to bloom plants should be fed every 2 - 3 weeks with a water plant fertilizer tablet. use your finger or push a small stick down in the soil to make a hole then push the tablet into the hole and cover the hole. Be sure to put the fertilizer near the outside rim of the pit and not near the crown of the plant.
The most common problem with lilies is aphids, especially later in the summer. Simply spray the leaves off with a garden hose.
Wintering Hardy Lilies is very simple. in the fall, after a hard frost, remove the plant from the pond and remove all leaves, flowers and buds. Drop it back into the deepest part of the pond.
Lotus
Lotus come in a wide range of sizes, varying in height from 18” - 60”. The pointed Lotus bud emerges from the water garden on a stem 2’ - 6’ tall unfolding its full, fragrant flower above its exotic foliage. Their beautiful flowers can grow up to 6” wide an come in a variety of colors: white, pink, red, yellow, or cream.
Though they look tropical, these aquatic plants are actually perennials. Lotuses need the sun and heat in order to reach their fullest potential. Though they are able to bloom in partially shaded situations, the water temperature must be at least 65 degrees.
Lotuses are day blooming plants, opening early in the morning and closing by mid afternoon, completely closing at night. The bloom usually lasts about 3 - 5days. throughout the season, the yellowed and yellowing foliage should be removed. they should be fertilized every 2 -3 weeks through the growing season and should be heavily fertilized throughout the spring.
Taros (Elephant ear)
This plant will instantly provide the lushness of the tropics in your pond. however, they are fantastic for garden pots as well, where they can reach 5’ tall when fertilized every 2-3 weeks.
The leaves of the Taro are arrow to heart shaped and resemble the ears of an elephant. The leaves grow up to 3’ in length, while the plant may grow 2’ - 4’ tall and should be kept in 1” - 6” of water. You can drown them in too mush water. they can grow in sun or shade.
Cannas
Cannas come in a variety of colors: white, pink, orange, peach, red, yellow, and variegated. They are native to moist areas and many do quite well if grown in water, as long as they are no submerged too deeply. Remember, wet feet, dry ankles. They may also grow in bog plantings where the soil in constantly saturated. Plant only after the water is warmed up to the upper 60’s and in the sun. Make sure to fertilize every 2 - 3 weeks. The rhizomes of all cannas rot in the cold, saturated soil, so they cannot live over the winter in the aquatic garden.