Water lilies

White water lily (Nymphaea alba) and small water lily (Nymphaea candida) grow in natural ponds and lakes in Estonia. Usually there is sufficiently rough, clayey substrate and these water lilies are protected species here.

When buying water lilies, the water depth preferences of different varieties should be taken into account. In natural-bottomed ponds with changing water levels, place or plant the water lily rather close to the recommended maximum depth. The potted plants location is usually changeable. So, if you want the water lily to emerge more quickly, move it to a warmer shore water for the spring, gradually raise it to the desired depth as the summer progresses and the first leaves emerge.

Water lilies are hardy

All here offered varieties of water lilies are hardy and can handle our winter conditions. For the duration of the winter period, place the potted plants below the freezing point of the water (at least 50 cm). If this is not possible, bring the plants into a dark and damp cellar. It is recommended to cut off the leaves that have turned brown, leaving only stems up to 10 cm long. By doing so, you can be sure not to damage the plant. In ponds the brown leaves should also removed – this will reduce the amount of decomposing organic matter under the ice cover.