Winter Hardy Water Lily Cultivars

Perennial Water Lily varieties will survive winter in almost any location properly planted many weeks before the first frost when in full sunlight, which keeps the plant alive for winter. We find that 8 to 12 inches below the waterline is much better for lilies than deep, darker locations.  If they ever perish in winter, Hardy lilies are more likely to do so from the stress of being overgrown and without any sunlight for a lengthy period where snow builds up over the ice above the plant for weeks on end. A pond de-icer saves more than fish in snowy northern areas; it may save a water lily. In most instances, these survive fine at 2 or 3 feet deep, especially medium and large varieties. If growing in a container in a lined pond, be sure they are not overcrowded and split every 1 to 2 years.