When summer is just around the corner, the majestic water lily adorns the garden pond and stream with its yellow flowers. It does not require extensive efforts to successfully cultivate the iris plant. The answers to frequently asked questions presented here convey how uncomplicated the yellow iris is.

The water lily is a low-maintenance beauty

Table of Contents

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  1. Plant water lilies properly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. The right planting distance
  5. What soil does the plant need?
  6. What is the best planting time?
  7. When is flowering time?
  8. Properly cut water lilies
  9. Fertilize water lilies properly
  10. hibernate
  11. propagate water lily
  12. Is water lily poisonous?
  13. Beautiful varieties

    14. Plant water lilies properly

    Plant the bulbs or water lilies in the container from the end of July to the beginning/mid of October in a sunny to partially shaded location. As the perennial name suggests, the flower prefers swampy soil up to a water depth of 20 cm. Since a marsh iris has a reputation for tending to proliferate, we recommend using plant baskets. Planting succeeds in no time at all:

    • Make small pits 40-50 cm apart and sprinkle with horn meal
    • Plant one rhizome at a time 5-8 cm deep in the moist soil with the roots pointing downwards
    • Place plants that have been brought forward in the pot so deep that the soil reaches to the two lower leaves

    For planting in the shallow water zone, line a plant basket (€11.99) with fleece, fill it with bog bed soil and insert the tuber or the potted root ball. So that the substrate is not washed out, mulch with small stones. Finally, the basket is sunk a maximum of 20 cm deep in the water.

    care tips

    When a water lily is in the right spot, it requires little gardening attention. Fertilizer is only given in the event of deficiency symptoms. Avoid mineral preparations, as the perennial reacts harshly. If you regularly clean the withered flowers, this measure contributes to a neat appearance and has the effect of prolonging the flowering period. After the mighty rhizome has pulled in all parts of the plant in autumn, cut the swamp iris close to the ground.

    Which location is suitable?

    In a sunny to partially shaded location, the water lily feels in good hands in humus-rich marshy soil. She particularly likes to stretch out her roots in slightly acidic mud soil up to a water depth of 20 cm. Since the flower develops stable stalks and forms dense clumps over time, the location at the water's edge can be bathed in air. If you struggle with permanently damp layers in the perennial bed, the yellow iris is also happy to help, as long as an adequate water supply is guaranteed.

    The right planting distance

    So that a marsh iris can unfold its majestic stature, we recommend a planting distance of 40 to 50 cm to the neighbor. Arrange 3 to 4 bulbs per square meter to green a large water garden with water lilies.

    What soil does the plant need?

    The water lily fulfills all expectations of its abundance of flowers if the bulbs are planted in swampy, humus-rich and slightly acidic soil. The ideal water depth varies between 10 and 20 cm. It is advantageous to cultivate the marsh iris in a plant basket, as the perennial tends to grow rampant. In this case, we recommend using bog soil as a substrate. Where the soil in borders is too moist for classic perennials, the yellow iris acts as a problem solver.

    What is the best planting time?

    If you plant the bulbs in the ground between July and September, the water lily has an excellent start to perennial life. At this time of year, the soil is wonderfully warm, so that a root system can develop quickly. If you miss this date, you can use the second time slot in April/May.

    When is flowering time?

    Water lilies bloom from May to June. Withered blossoms are cleaned regularly so that the magnificent flowers last for many weeks. Since several buds usually thrive on each stem, you create space for more specimens in this way.

    Properly cut water lilies

    Pruning is an important part of the professional care program so that you can enjoy your water lily for many years to come. The scissors are used on these occasions:

    • Regularly cut off wilted flowers during the flowering period
    • Cut stems that have just blossomed to decorate vases
    • Cut back close to the ground before the first frost

    If you give a swamp iris sufficient opportunity to seed before pruning it back, the perennial will take over the propagation without further action. In this case, wait until the cylindrical fruits with the numerous seeds have opened.

    Fertilize water lilies properly

    Cultivated in the swamp or shallow water zone along the garden pond, a water lily is only fertilized when there are obvious signs of deficiency. A stunted bloom, dull colors or yellowed leaves indicate a lack of nutrients. In this case, give a special liquid fertilizer for pond plants until the perennial has recovered. If the marsh iris thrives in the bed, an initial fertilization with compost and horn shavings (€32.93) in May is completely sufficient.

    hibernate

    The native water lily is completely hardy. In late autumn, the above-ground parts of the plant move in. The subterranean rhizome survives frosty temperatures down to - 28 degrees Celsius undamaged. Since overwintering costs the perennial a lot of energy, it draws in all the remaining nutrients from the leaves in autumn. Only cut the foliage down to the ground when it has completely yellowed. If self-sowing is not desired, cut off the withered flower heads beforehand.

    propagate water lily

    To propagate a magnificent water lily, you can choose between the following two methods:

    • Division of the rootstock in spring or autumn
    • Sow the seeds behind glass at 15-18 degrees Celsius, cultivated as light and cold germs

    Please consider that propagation by sowing requires a much longer patience than division. Seedling-propagated water lilies usually take 3 to 5 years to flower for the first time.

    Is water lily poisonous?

    All members of the large plant family of the iris family are permeated with toxic ingredients. The highest poison content is in the tubers. Those who allow themselves to be tempted to eat them will be punished with severe nausea, vomiting and other symptoms of poisoning. The water lily poses the greatest danger to pets of all kinds, as they could chew on the bulbs, leaves and flowers.
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    Beautiful varieties

    • Yellow marsh iris: The wild species impresses with its robust growth and magnificent flowers well into July
    • Berlin Tiger: With tiger skin-like petals, this strain really sets the scene; Growth height 60 to 100 cm
    • Golden Queen: Royal water lily with golden-yellow flowers, swarmed by bees and butterflies
    • Variegata: This scenic hybrid boasts bright yellow flowers and yellow-striped leaves
    • Rose Queen: Rarity with soft pink flowers above sword-shaped, smooth green foliage; Growth height 60-80 cm

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Vegetable garden