Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Boat Lily Plant for Your Landscape

If you’re looking to add a beautiful and unique water plant to your landscape, the boat lily plant is an excellent choice. With its eye-catching foliage and delicate flowers, this plant adds a touch of elegance to any pond or water garden.

However, before you rush out to buy a boat lily plant, it’s essential to consider the size of your water feature. Not all boat lilies are created equal, and choosing the right size is crucial for the health and beauty of your aquatic environment.

In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of boat lily plants and how to choose the right one for your landscape.

Small Boat Lilies

Small boat lilies are an excellent choice for small ponds or water gardens. These plants typically grow to be around 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide, making them perfect for compact spaces.

One of the most popular small boat lilies is the dwarf blue water lily (Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Blue’), which features vibrant blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. Other varieties of small boat lilies include the pygmy red water lily (Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Rubra’) and the yellow pygmy water lily (Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Helvola’).

Medium Boat Lilies

Medium-sized boat lilies are ideal for larger ponds or water gardens. These plants can grow up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, making them a great choice for adding depth and dimension to your aquatic landscape.

One popular medium-sized boat lily is the pink grapefruit water lily (Nymphaea ‘Pink Grapefruit’). This plant features stunning pink flowers with yellow centers that bloom from early summer through early fall. Other varieties of medium-sized boat lilies include the green smoke water lily (Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’) and the peach glow water lily (Nymphaea ‘Peach Glow’).

Large Boat Lilies

For those with expansive ponds or lakes, large boat lilies are the way to go. These plants can grow up to 48 inches tall and 72 inches wide, creating a striking focal point in any aquatic environment.

One popular large boat lily is the giant water lily (Victoria amazonica), which features massive leaves that can grow up to 8 feet in diameter. While this plant is not suitable for most home landscapes, it’s a stunning addition to public gardens or large estate properties.

Other varieties of large boat lilies include the hardy white water lily (Nymphaea alba) and the tropical blue water lily (Nymphaea caerulea).

Choosing the Right Boat Lily

When choosing a boat lily plant for your landscape, it’s essential to consider both the size of your water feature and the amount of sunlight it receives. Most boat lilies require full sun exposure to thrive, so make sure your chosen plant will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Additionally, consider the depth of your pond or lake. Most boat lilies prefer shallow water depths between 12-24 inches, although some varieties can tolerate depths up to 5 feet.

Finally, keep in mind that some boat lilies are tropical plants that require warm temperatures year-round. If you live in a colder climate, choose a hardy variety that can withstand winter temperatures.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose a boat lily plant that will thrive in your landscape and enhance its beauty for years to come.

FAQ

Q: Can I grow a boat lily in a container?

A: Yes! Boat lilies can be grown in containers with adequate drainage holes and filled with aquatic potting soil. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep enough to accommodate your chosen plant’s root system.

Q: How often should I fertilize my boat lily?

A: Boat lilies should be fertilized every four to six weeks during their active growing season (typically from spring through early fall). Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for aquatic plants.

Q: Can I propagate my boat lily?

A: Yes! Boat lilies can be propagated by dividing their rhizomes (the underground stems that produce roots). Wait until early spring before new growth appears, then carefully dig up your plant and separate its rhizomes into smaller sections. Replant each section in its own container or in your pond or lake.