How to plant a water lily

Elegant and stately, water lilies (Nymphaea sp.) can be the crowning glory of a garden pond.

When buying water lilies, look for those plants that have shoots emerging from the rhizome and wait until the pond has warmed up before potting or planting. When potting, it's important to use an aquatic basket to contain vigorous growth and to use specialised aquatic soil or John Innes No 2. Avoid rich composts that will encourage the growth of unsightly green algae, or organic composts that float away.

Don't forget that water lily leaves will rot if submerged too deeply, too soon, so gradually lower the pot to the pond's bottom, as the leaves extend towards the surface.