Lilies

In the quest for shade blooming lilies I found three that have been successful, Red Attraction, Sulphurea, and the dainty Dauben. Before discussing the plants specifically there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, all lilies will bloom better in full sun. So don't expect many blooms all summer long. The number and frequency will depend on how much light they get, as well as fertilizer. Which brings up the second point, lilies are heavy feeders, so get a good fertilizer and follow the directions on the container. If the pond is in shade to partial shade make sure the lilies are getting plenty of everything else they need. Finally, remember, water lilies prefer still water, so don't locate them beneath the waterfall or fountain.

Red Attraction, here is a beautiful lily, easily obtained, and inexpensive. Most garden centers will have the tubers ready to plant in the early spring, or will have them in ready to submerge "Mini-water garden" packages. I have always been disappointed by these combination packs and just buy the lilies. The catalogs usually describe this lily as adaptable to many pond conditions. That phrase and others like it, is a good clue that the lily will bloom under a variety of conditions.

Sulphurea is a lovely shade of yellow. The blooms are easily four inches across, with the pads six or more. Even at that size it will fit in most ponds. This lily has been a great bloomer in my shady pond. It gets sun only from eight-thirty to noon, but has produced one bloom a week since it started blooming. No that is not a lot of blooming, but when you consider that most books on ponds will say you can't get any in that light, I feel satisfied.

Dauben, this dainty miniature tropical, blooms like a little champ! Within a week of going in the pond this charming day bloomer started flowering and hasn't stopped yet. Dauben is not as showy as many lilies, yet is so dependable and adaptable every pond should have one. Since this a tropical provisions must be made to winter it over in northern zones.

Companion Plants Of course the blooms aren't reserved for lilies. Pickerel will send up its bloom stalks throughout the summer. The purple flowers are a nice contrast to the larger showy lilies, and the glossy leaves provide some height and texture to the scene. Water Poppy leaves resemble lily pads, but the pretty butter yellow blooms do indeed look more like poppies. The blooms reach almost two inches across and are held well above the water. For seasonal blooms and striking foliage, try Yellow Water Iris. Another benefit from this plant is, planted in a basket with only gravel, the roots will act as filters feeding the plants from the organic matter in the pond.Water Hibiscus is a flamboyant plant with eye-catching greenery as well as saucer sized blooms. A true stand out!

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