Water-Lilies Provide Garden Interest

Although a large pool is more impressive, the beginner may grow one or two plants in a large tub set into the ground so the top is level with the soil surface. The edge may easily be hidden with rocks or small plants. Larger, ready-made pools may be purchased, or built from concrete or plastic. In addition to water 18 to 24 inches deep, several other conditions are necessary for growing good water-lilies. These plants should have bright sunlight, and they should be in a position where they receive at least 5 hours of full sunlight a day. If they receive less sun than 5 hours, they flower poorly. Given more than 5 hours of daily sunlight, however, they bloom even more.

Water-lilies need quiet water warmed by the sun. If they are in a pool fed by cool, running water that does not warm up, they grow poorly. Because water-lilies are vigorous growers, they need rich soil. A clay soil low in organic matter is satisfactory, but fertilizer should be added. Special fertilizers for water-lilies are available from specialists. Fertilizers should be mixed into the soil before placing the plants in the pool in spring. The plants should not be disturbed during the summer when they are growing vigorously.

There are two basic groups of water-lilies, hardy and tropical water-lilies. Hardy water-lilies are best suited to our climate. They start to bloom early in the summer, and if the pool is deep enough so it does not freeze completely, they may be allowed to remain during the winter. The tropical lilies tend to be more spectacular in bloom than the hardy types, and often produce larger plants and flowers. They do not grow well until the water is warm, and can be damaged if put outdoors too early.

Tropicals are available in blue and purple shades not available in the hardy types. Tropicals are also available in night blooming varieties. The hardy types are only day bloomers that close in late afternoon. Do not crowd water-lilies. If your tub or pool is small, use dwarf varieties, and plant only one. Crowding not only reduces the number of blooms, but also abundant leaves entirely cover the water surface, detracting from the beauty of the open water. Where excessive foliage exists, some may be removed to allow the water to show. Hardy water-lilies are normally planted in May, while the tropical ones are planted during June or even later in summer.

Do not plant water-lilies directly in the bottom of the pool. They should be planted in pots, tubs or buckets and are then placed into the pool. For dwarf types, a flower pot or bucket 9 to 10 inches in diameter is adequate. However, most large varieties require a container holding at least one bushel of soil. After the lily is planted, the container is placed in the pool so that the crown of dwarf types is at least 5 inches below water level, and the crown of the large types at least 10 to 12 inches below water level.

For the winter, non-hardy types or hardy types in small pools should be removed by October. During cold weather, the plants should be kept cool, but not subjected to freezing temperatures. Moisture may be retained by slipping a plastic bag around the plant and container during the storage time. Replant each spring.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poinsettia