Lily pads rest on the water surface (when crowded some pads rise slightly above the water). They are attached to the rhizome via long stems. In hardy lilies these pads are mostly all green, some varieties have light mottling and new leaves of many hybrids emerge with a red color.
The flowers, which appear in summer, also float on the surface, some hybrids have flowers that will rise a few inches above the water. Flower colors in hardy lilies include white, yellow, pink, peach, red, and variations of each. Hardy lilies go dormant in the winter and return in the spring provided that the rhizome did not freeze.
Hardy lilies generally do best when placed with the crown of the plant around 12" below the water's surface.
Below we have put together a wide variety of plants with pictures and a short description to help you find the type of plants you are seeking.
Rich garnet blossoms. Largest of the red hardy lilies. Flower is cuplike then starlike. Slightly fragrant. A very popular choice. Excellant cut flowers.
Blossoms open yellow and turn to coppery bronze. Speckled foliage. Flower shape is cuplike then starlike. Very pleasant fragrance. Tolerates partial shade.
Very free flowering. Peony-style blooms are large and rich pink with broad petals. Foliage is deep green. Pleasant fragrance. Very adaptable. Long blooming.
Very free flowering. Petals are apricot then apricot-orange then deep orange-red. Flower shape is cuplike then wide open. Green foliage. Very slight fragrance.
Free blooming, lemon yellow flowers, pads slightly marbled. Flower shape is cup-like then star-like. Quite sweet fragrance, tolerates partial shade. Good for any size pond.
Creamy white flowers and lush foliage. Good for tub gardens and small ponds.
Koi & Pond Tip of the Day September 7th, 2010
If your pond's surface is frozen over, Do Not break the ice, doing so could harm your fish. Instead, use warm water to melt a hole in the ice or use a pond Deicers to keep a hole open.
