Water lilies were loved by Monet, the most famous of those who have painted these beautiful, floating flowers. These members of the family Nymphaeaceae are a traditional and ideal choice of water garden plant for those who want to add color and life to a small pond. These colorful additions to the garden also provide shelter for pond animals. Water lilies come in a variety of colors to blend into the color scheme of the small water garden.
White Water Lilies for the Traditional Garden
The traditional water gardener will choose the stark white of the water lily flower, striking against its large green leaves. White water lilies come in both hardy and tropical varieties. Add an unusual twist by choosing at least one tropical, night-blooming lily.
Pastel to Fuschia: The Pink Water Lilies
Light pink is another color for those with a traditional bent. Many of the hardy water lily varieties are white with pink undertones. However, the tropical lilies go all out, exploding in fuschia color. Combine the pale tones of the hardy lilies with the strong pinks of the tropicals to create a diverse but unified look to the pink-themed water garden.
Sunset Colors: Red, Yellow, and Orange Lilies for the Pond
These cheery water lilies add light to the pond. From the delicate tones of the Lemon Chiffon lily, to the blood red of the Black Princess, these lilies bring summer color to a pond. They are available as both hardy perennials and as tropicals. Though the tropical water lilies often have more intense color, the hardy water lilies do quite well in this category, producing robust blooms with strong color,
Blue, Purple and Lavender Water Lilies
For strong purple and delicate lavender lilies, turn to tropicals. Varieties such as Madam Ganna Walska and Hilary appeal to those who enjoy pastel purples, while the King of Siam and Lindsey Woods lilies are an intense purple. A group of deep purple and blue flowers on the pond create a striking arrangement, one that begs a closer look into the water garden. Complement the dark flowers with pond-side plants that have variegated foliage, or add white-colored koi to the pond.
Choosing Between Hardy and Tropical Lilies
When choosing a lily, there is more to consider than color, of course. Hardy lilies are perennial and will overwinter if the root ball doesn’t freeze. Tropical lilies are a summer phenomenon in cooler climates, since they require daytime and nighttime temperatures of 70 degrees or above. Of course, a pond heater is an option, but these lilies won’t withstand cold winters.
The advantage to tropical lilies is their intense color. The vibrant pinks, purples, and blues make them attractive to those who are looking for seasonal color in the pond. They also come in night blooming varieties, adding a whole other dimension of sense and fragrance to the water garden. These water lilies are best considered to be stunning and colorful annuals.
Whether tropical or hardy, the broad green leaves and star-shaped flowers of the water lily are at once a traditional element of the water garden and a new plant to explore. Experiment with color and fragrance by mixing colors and varieties of lilies in the water garden.
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