One of the most iconic pond plants, water lilies deserve a starring role in any pond, whether that be a micro container pond or a pond so large it’s practically a lake. Like many plants, there are a huge number of different varieties within the species, which range in factors like colour, size and fragrance, to name three. In this post, we’ll be breaking down some of the very best varieties for a whole spectrum of different wants and needs.

What are the best water lilies for small ponds?

Yellow Dwarf Water Lily | Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola'

If you’ve only got a small pond to play with, then it’s worth opting for a dwarf water lily variety. Cultivars like 'Pygmaea Helvola' produce tiny yellow blooms that can grow in ponds as small as something like an old sink basin that’s been repurposed! It also has the distinction of holding the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Award of Garden Merit. An honourable mention here goes to ‘Pygmaea Alba’, whose snow white blooms instantly brighten any pond.

Which water lily is best for large ponds?

Large Water Lily | Nymphaea ‘Gladstoniana’

Larger ponds give you a lot more choice when it comes to picking a water lily, but it’s difficult to look past the mightily-impressive ‘Gladstoniana’, whose capacious, billowing blooms will turn heads and make no mistake. With broad white petals that look like the finest satin, this variety can grow to a sizable 30cm across, while the leaves can grow to up to half a metre in diameter. If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that you’re not going to miss this eye-catching icon. If you want bigger blooms but want more colour, then go for ‘Attraction’, a superb pink-hued water lily that sports flowers 20cm across.

Which water lily is best for wildlife appeal?

Yellow Water Lily | Nuphar lutea

If attracting pollinators to your garden is high on your list of priorities, then the yellow water lily is the plant for you. Holding RHS Plants for Pollinators status, the fragrant yellow blooms, whose distinctive fragrance gives the plant its common name – brandy bottle – are highly attractive to pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. The leaves, meanwhile, offer good shelter for frogs and toads.

Which water lily is best for fragrance?

Fragrant Water Lily | Nymphaea odorata 'Firecrest’

Want your pond to not only look good but smell good, too? ‘Firecrest’ is the water lily for you. Boasting a fragrance that leads with aniseed while possessing hints of almond, too, ‘Firecrest’ is a lovely pink water lily that’ll suit most pond sizes. Another fragrant option is ‘Odorata Sulphurea’, whose pastel yellow flowers also radiate a sumptuous sweet scent.

Which water lily has the most colourful blooms?

Variegated Water Lily | Nymphaea 'Wanvisa'

Few plants can compare to the ‘Wanvisa’ water lily, whose flowers are never the same! Variegated yellow and coral petals lend this cultivar a distinctive air, with a half-and-half pattern of colour variegation not at all uncommon to see. On the darker side of things, there’s ‘Almost Black’, which offers up dark claret petals the colour of finest Burgundian pinot noir.

Which water lily has the most petals?

Blush Pink Water Lily | Nymphaea 'Gloire du Temple sur Lot'

While there can be some variation among different water lily varieties, most tend to have a pretty similar double flower in terms of shape/number of petals. That is, except, ‘Gloire du Temple sur Lot’ which – oh my word – has a lot of petals. This floriferous favourite can produce flowers with up to 100 petals each, giving them something of a chrysanthemum-like appearance.

General care tips for water lilies

Water lilies, despite their delicate appearance, are actually incredibly tough pond plants, with most having an RHS hardiness rating of five (or above). They prefer still, deep water and flower best in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day). Hungry by nature, water lilies appreciate a good slow-release aquatic feed, applied as per the manufacturer’s individual instructions. Remove dead foliage and spent flowers as and when you’re able, and if your pond uses a liner, plant your water lily using an aquatic basket.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, having read this guide, you’ll now have a better understanding of which water lily variety is right for you and your pond. While you’re here, why not check out our guides to keeping pond water nice and clear, and creating a miniature patio pond. Wondering how to look after your pond during the winter months? We’ve got you covered there, too. Happy pond planting!