Hardy water lilies (Nymphaea) are those plants that survive the winter in the temperate zones just like other perennials in the garden. They come in a wide range of colors and tolerate moving water better than many tropical types. Hardy lilies generally bloom at lower water temperatures than the tropicals and thus get off to an earlier start in the backyard pond.

Hardy lilies bloom in shades of white, yellow, pink, orange and red. Sizes range from miniatures to huge flowers several inches in diameter. Hardy lilies grow from rhizomes and should be grown in wide shallow tubs or baskets. The rhizome should be placed in the soil at a 45 o angle and covered with soil and 1 inch of gravel. Be sure to leave the growing tip above the soil and gravel. Tropical and hardy water lilies should be covered with 6 to 18 inches of water.

 Water lilies should bloom from the end of May to frost, from mid-morning until dusk. All are day bloomers.