Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
9/9/04
Contacts:
Jessica Daniels, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, ydaniels@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of Sept. 6, 2004
Waterlilies for Your Pond
By Jessica Daniels
Horticulture Intern
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University Extension
As gardeners add ponds to their landscapes, some realize that traditional gardening is simply not enough, so they introduce water elements into their gardens. Hardy waterlilies not only grow in the same garden soil as most plants, but also are at home in these added water oases.
Although sharing a common name, waterliles are not related to common garden lilies. They are members of the Nymphaeaceae family and Nymphaea genus. Nymphaeas are considered very primitive plants, and in fact, the earliest Nymphaea fossils are believed to be from the Cretaceous period. Picture a primeval swamp full of monstrous insects and towering ferns. From these murky depths rise the long-petioled leaves and elegant flowers of a Nymphaea. With that image in mind, flash forward 90 million years and you have present day waterlilies.
Because many aquatic plants tend to be invasive, waterlilies are often grown in pots for easier management and control in water gardens. Hardy waterlilies will overwinter in Iowa ponds and survive simply by placing them in the deepest portion of the pond that is at least two feet deep. At Reiman Gardens, each spring student interns untangle a great serpentine mass of hardy waterlily leaves that have been overwintered at the bottom of Lake Helen.
Tropical waterlilies also are frequently planted in water gardens, but are quite different from hardy waterlilies. Tropical waterlilies have larger, thinner leaves with serrated edges. The flowers of tropical waterlilies are held above the water, whereas hardy waterlily blossoms arise at the water's surface. Tropical waterlilies boast a wider array of colors, including blue, which is quite rare in the plant kingdom. Hardy and day-blooming tropical waterlilies bloom mid-morning to late afternoon, while night-blooming tropicals bloom from dusk to noon.
Tropical waterlilies are more challenging because they are difficult to overwinter north of USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Therefore, most gardeners choose to grow tropical waterlilies as annuals.
Once they are planted, hardy waterlilies require minimum maintenance. They will bloom throughout the summer with occasional pruning of spent leaves and flowers. You may also apply monthly applications of aquatic plant fertilizer tablets.
Shopping for and collecting waterlilies can be a very enjoyable aspect of pond keeping. Look for named cultivars so that you know exactly what you are purchasing and keep the label to preserve its value. Waterlilies can be purchased through specialized aquatic stores and by mail-order sources.
Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens collection includes nearly 35 hardy and 20 tropical waterlilies and will be on display until early October. Hardy waterlilies include 'Texas Dawn,' 'James Brydon,' and 'Peaches and Crème.' Displayed tropical waterlilies include 'Texas Shell Pink,' 'Director George T. Moore,' and 'Green Smoke.'
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 300K. Caption: Water gardens have become popular additions to landscapes and hardy water lilies are the most popular aquatic plants to grow. They bloom throughout the summer and are easy to maintain. They can overwinter on the bottom of a pond that is at least 2 feet deep. |
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