Water lilies Collection

The collection consists of:

- x 1 water lily 'Attraction': a variety with 25 cm diameter flowers, double cups composed of crimson petals contrasting with almost white sepals. They reveal reddish-brown stamens with golden anthers. Abundant, nearly round, dark green foliage. A very vigorous plant (2 m wide) for large basins. Flowering from June to September.

- x 1 water lily 'Aurora': an old variety of modest size (75 to 90 cm wide). Olive green leaves speckled with purple. Semi-double star-shaped flowers, 10 cm in diameter, evolve from cream to yellow, orange, and blood red as they age. Flowering from June to October. A variety well suited to small basins or aquatic containers on the terrace.

- x 1 water lily 'Fabiola': an old French creation (1913), intended for medium to large water features (1 m wide). Round leaves of a beautiful dark green. Large, fully double flowers (up to 12 cm in diameter and about 25 petals) of a superb intense pink with golden yellow stamens.

Plant the water lilies in this collection, considering their growth, which should be proportionate to the size of your basin. They will be the main attraction for many weeks and essential for its balance, as these plants contribute to water oxygenation. Their floating leaves will provide shade and shelter for your fish, protecting them from predatory insects such as aphids. You can plant Siberian irises with various colours or other moisture-loving plants on the edge of your basin. Aquatic plants such as Pontederia, myriophyllum, or water clover are welcome in the water.

Water lilies can withstand the rigours of winter if the depth of the basin is at least 50 cm. They should be planted from March to June. Plant the rhizomes in good, rich, clayey garden soil, without potting soil and free of stones. Offer them the sunniest spot in the water feature. Space each rhizome at least 1.50 m apart and plant them by inserting them vertically into the soil up to the neck. Rhizomes can also be planted in a 40 cm diameter willow basket or a fine mesh basket placed in the desired location. If the bottom is muddy, attach a stone to the rhizome and throw the whole thing to the desired location. Water lilies should be planted upon receipt and not exposed to the sun or air. If you have fish in your pond, it is advisable to spread a thick layer of large gravel on the surface of the planted basket to discourage them from digging into the soil and thus soiling the water. Water lilies are hungry plants: distribute a balanced slow-release fertiliser at the time of planting and then every year at the beginning of the growing season (for example, Osmocote 10-11-18 with a duration of 5-6 months).