Water lily

Water lilies are iconic aquatic plants that bring elegance and tranquillity to ponds and still water gardens. Their broad floating leaves create a lush green canopy on the water’s surface, while showy blooms in shades of white, pink, red, yellow or blue rise just above the water, appearing from spring through to autumn.

Thriving in full sun, water lilies prefer calm, still water and do best when planted in baskets or aquatic containers placed on the bottom of ponds. They help shade the water, reducing algae growth and providing habitat for fish and aquatic wildlife.

Most modern water lilies are hardy in New Zealand conditions, though tropical varieties may need extra protection or warmer regions to thrive.