Lily Pad Plants

Lily pads are large, flat leaves that float on the surface of lakes, ponds, and other water bodies. They belong to the Nymphaeaceae family and are commonly known as water lilies. 

Their flowers, which bloom above the water, are often brightly colored in shades like white, pink, yellow, or purple, add beauty to water landscapes.

Hardy water lilies can survive where winter temperatures drop below zero degrees. As long as their tubers stay below freezing, they produce new pads and flowers each spring.

Water lilies require plenty of light to thrive and bloom. Full sunlight (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily) is recommended. The ideal depth is 1 to 4 feet (30 cm to 1.2 meters).

Create a Healthy Ecosystem

• Water lilies provide a landing space for frogs, which help control the bugs around your water. Without the safety of a lily pad, fish would likely consume the frogs, and thus, mosquitoes would become uncontrollable. Water lilies also attract healthy insects, such as dragonflies and bees.
• Second, they protect fish from birds of prey who could quickly empty your pond of life. Fish instinctively hide in the shadows of the camouflage they provide.
• Finally, these aquatic types facilitate the vital addition of oxygen to the pond. Growing them helps add oxygen to fish or wildlife in your pond.

Graceful Appearance of the Water Lilies

Water lilies can be a symbol of beauty and tranquility in aquatic environments.

Leaf sizes range from 4 to 12 inches in diameter. The surface texture is smooth and waxy, which helps repel water and allows the leaves to float effortlessly on the water's surface.

Water lily flowers are large, symmetrical, and often cup- or bowl-shaped, though some species may have flatter or more star-like flowers. The blooms can range from 2 inches to over 12 inches in diameter. Water lilies come in a rainbow of colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, purple, and blue. Many species are fragrant, emitting a sweet or pleasant aroma, especially in the early morning or evening when the flowers open.

Hardy water lilies have thick, horizontal rhizomes that anchor them into the sediment at the bottom of ponds. These rhizomes store nutrients and energy for the plant.

Water lilies are prolific growers and bloomers that are relatively low maintenance after planting.

Container Water Gardens:

Water lilies can be brought indoors when needed, which makes them adaptable to climates that wouldn't naturally support them.