The pond lily is quite robust and can cope with different water conditions. This means it doesn't take offense to changing water levels and can also tolerate slightly flowing water. You can plant the water lily in a swimming pond or a small garden pond.
How do you plant a water lily correctly?
To plant a pond lily, choose a sunny location (except for the yellow pond lily), a water depth of 40 cm to 2.5 m depending on the variety and use a plant basket to make care easier. Smaller varieties are also suitable for pots.
Finding the right location
The Little Mummel (Nuphar pumila) prefers a water depth of around 40 to 80 cm. The Great Mummel (Nuphar lutea), on the other hand, feels more comfortable in deeper water. The water level here can be between one and two and a half meters. In a large pond with different zones, both plants will find a suitable place.
Most pond lilies like a sunny location, while the yellow pond lily even blooms in the shade. The variety needs a lot of space, around 2 m² of water per specimen.
Is a plant basket recommended?
A plant basket (€3.00 on Amazon) is definitely recommended for the pond lily. The larger varieties in particular prefer a water depth in which it is not so easy to work. The basket makes care a lot easier, be it planting or trimming the rhizomes.
Is the water lily suitable for planting in a pot?
The pond lily can also be planted in a mini pond or a pot. So that it doesn't overgrow the entire planter and crowd out other plants, regular pruning of the rhizomes is particularly important.
For a small container, choose a variety that stays small and check the growth of the rhizomes at least once a year. The yellow pond lily requires a lot of space and is better suited to a larger pond.
Can the water lily be transplanted without any problems?
As a robust plant, the pond lily can be transplanted quite easily. However, it is not so easy to leave the proliferating rhizomes unharmed. If rhizome remains remain in the old location, a new plant can certainly grow from them. Transplanting is easiest if you have placed your water lily in a plant basket.
The most important planting tips in brief:
- Location as sunny as possible
- Exception: Yellow pond lily
- Plant basket makes later care easier
Tip
It is best to place your water lily in a plant basket. This makes care and possible transplanting easier for you later.