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The first couple of seasons you have your water lily the blossoming is outstanding, possibly even better than you have hoped. But as the years progress, you notice a lessening in the flowering, even though you continue to fertilize regularly. This downturn is your cue to divide your water lily, giving more room and fresh soil. If you live in the hot regions of the sunbelt, you may need to divide and replant your hardy water lilies annually.
Spring is the best time of the year to divide and transplant your water lilies. Watch them early in the spring as the weather begins to warm. You will notice new growth coming from the crown of the plant. When these leaves are approximately halfway to the surface of your pond, it is time to divide. You can divide your lilies throughout the growing season, up to 1 month before expected frost. You must allow 2-4 weeks for the lilies to get used to their new surroundings after you transplant them. Do not expect flowers until 4-6 weeks after transplanting.
1. Pull plant container from pond.
2. Remove plant and rinse soil off of the rootstock.
3. Plant will have a main growing tip and some juvenile growing tips visible
on a large rootstock.
4. Cut off old rootstock end, leaving 4-6" of healthy rootstock with the main
growing tip.
5. Cut off juvenile crowns. Discard old woody rootstock end.
6. Repot trimmed rootstock and replace in your pond. Remember to add your
Lily Feeder by Akwatik if desired, and/or add Lilytabs for fertilizing.
7. Discard juvenile growing tips or pot them in a 3.5 qt. container. Grow with
2-4" of water over the soil. Lower container to 8-18" as stems grow, allowing pads to float on the surface. They will be blooming size this
season or next. You may need to divide and repot.
Contact Lilypons Water Gardens for all your water gardening needs
www.lilypons.com
or 1-800-999-LILY.
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