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Water gardens: planting aquatic plants

A heavy clay loam soil, which is found under typical Kentucky bluegrass lawns in most parts of Colorado, is the preferred growing medium for water lilies and other aquatic plants.

A pot measuring 12 inches across and ten inches deep is ideal for most aquatics. Larger containers produce larger plants, and smaller containers smaller plants.

When potting aquatics, it's best to work in a shaded area. It's also advisable to moisten the soil first.

It's best to plant hardy water lilies from mid-April through May. Plant them slightly off horizontal with the growing point just above the soil pointing across the container.

Start planting tropical water lilies in mid-June, or when you can reasonably expect the water temperatures to remain 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Like most marginals, or shoreline plants, they should be planted near the center of the container with the crown just above the soil surface.

Ideally, water lilies should be placed eight to 12 inches deep, and marginals several inches deep. Firm the soil and lower the plant slowly into the water. Placing pea gravel or sand on the soil surface is a cosmetic gesture, and is optional. However, placing rocks carefully around the potted plant can prevent the plant from accidentally dislodging.