Back to Info Sheets	Lily Pools: Top Ten Questions   1.   How much soil should each lily have ? One-half to one bushel of soil for the average lily.  Dwarf varieties can do with less.  Be sure the rhizome or root is covered with soil but NO SOIL ON THE CROWN of the plant.   2.   What kind of soil is best ? A good garden loam or top soil is preferred.  For best results use our organic fertilizer or tablets.  Cow manure may cause discoloured of the water and many commercial inorganic fertilizers will harm the lily and the fish.   3.   How deep should the water be ? There should be at least 6 inches of water over the crown of the plant and usually not more than 15 inches for most lilies.  Pools should be from 16 inches to 24 inches deep at planting points.  Remember, lilies like lots of sun and warm water.   4.   Can a tub or bathtub be used ? Yes, several of the hardy  varieties listed will adapt readily and naturalize themselves.  Please indicate if your lilies are required for such a purpose.   5.   Can I grow lilies in a natural pond or lake? Yes, several of the hardy varieties listed will adapt readily and naturalize themselves.  Please indicate if your lilies are required for such a purpose.   6.   What makes water green ? An unbalanced pool.  After the pool is established for a few weeks, the water should be clear.  Too many fish and overfeeding may keep the water green.   Lilies and floating plants should give sufficient cover to cut off the direct sun.  Scavengers, oxygenating plants and fish should do the rest.  The use of cow manure will cause water discolouration.  Add enough water to keep up the evaporation loss.   7.   How do I keep mosquitos out of the pool ? Have some goldfish in the pool to eat the mosquito larvae.   8.   What insect pests attack water lilies ? Aphids are the most common. We suggest control by spraying daily with the hose rather than use of any insecticides.  Fish will eat the aphids floating on the water.   9.   How do I overwinter water lilies ?  In this region, only hardy lilies may be overwintered.  Tropical must be treated as annuals unless a greenhouse is available.    10.   Check these points if your lily is not doing well. *  Use of chemical in pools to control algae. *  Planters are too small. *  Not enough sunlight, 6 hours minimum. * Did not use topsoil and water lily fertilizer recommended. *  Soil in crown of plant. *  Needs fertilizer - fertilize every spring and at monthly intervals during growing season. *  Root bound, needs dividing. *  Too much or too little water over the crown. *  Hardies go dormant in October. * Tropical plants do poorly in cold water and go dormant after heavy frost. *  Use of herbicides or pesticides nearby. *  Splashing or turbulence from nearby fountains or waterfall.   ahlias are tender bulbs which need to be stored indoors over winter.  They are available in a variety of colours, forms, and sizes.   Vol 97 no 42
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: March 10, 2008