Centre Of Attraction

No space for a water feature? A water lily garden in a pot is the solution

- Marianne Alexander

CHOOSING A CONTAINER

Anything that can hold water or be made watertight such as old wooden wine barrels, glazed garden planters, ceramic pots, zinc baths or decorative pottery containers is suitable. Waterproof porous containers, like wooden barrels, by lining them with fabric and painting on a sealant like Rubaro BR 500. Plug drainage holes with a rubber stopper glued in place with marine silicone.

Size The bigger the container, the more room plants have to grow and the more flowers they’ll produce; containers should however be in proportion to the size of your garden and the waterlily plant. The broader the base, the more stable the container; stabilise tall narrow containers by placing a few heavy stones or bricks in the base. 

Depth Depending on the variety, water lilies need 15–45cm of water above the crown for them to flower well. Indigenous Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea needs at least 30cm, but shouldn’t be planted deeper than 90cm. 

Tip The darker the inside of the container, the better the reflections and the deeper it’ll appear.

POSITION

Place the container in position before filling it with water.