Beautiful and versatile, water lilies can be grown in a variety of situations ranging from small containers on terraces to ornamental lakes. From late May onwards the flowers unfold to reveal concentric rings of up to a hundred delicately pointed petals.

Britain's hardy native species, Nymphaea alba, is a delicate pure white water lily. This species prefers deep water and spreads its large leaf pads densely across the surface, providing shade for fish and landing stages for frogs and toads.

While tropical varieties cannot survive outdoors in the UK, there are hybrids that can, and British gardeners can now choose from an exciting rainbow of petal colours, from peach melba to sky blue.

CLICK HERE to see a gallery of beautiful water lilies.

HOW TO GROW WATER LILIES
• The water lily is a true aquatic plant that needs to have its roots fully submerged.

• The depth of water required depends on the variety of the plant, and so whatever the size of your container or pond, you'll find a water lily to suit it.

• Propagation can be carried out by seed in the water, but these are often slow to germinate and frequently degenerate.

• Division can produce successful clones; this is best carried out in May when plants can be lifted and divided, leaving each crown with several pieces of tuber attached to it.

• Before replanting, trim back the roots and surplus leaves.

WHERE TO BUY WATER LILIES
Visit specialist nurseries that propagate and grow plants as well as developing their own hybrids of tropical water lilies.

• Chenies Aquatics, Crown Lane, Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire SL2 3SG. RHS Gold and Tudor Rose medal winners that have a variety of water lilies, plus everything else you need to create a water garden.

• Dorset Water Lily Company, Yeovil Road, Halstock, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 9RR. RHS gold medal winners that grow and propogate hardy and tropical lilies. Will deliver.

• Lilies Water Gardens, Broad Lane, Newdigate, Surrey RH5 5AT. The company offers over 90 different varieties of water lilies, as well as a wide range of plants for water gardens and surrounding areas.

CLICK HERE to see a gallery of beautiful water lilies.

WORDS JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT
SEPTEMBER 2004