Preparing pond plants for winter helps protect them from freezing temperatures and encourages healthy growth in spring. Winter care depends on whether your plants are hardy or tropical.
Hardy waterlilies
Hardy waterlilies can remain in the pond throughout winter.
- Trim mature leaves a few inches above the crown of the plant.
- Move potted waterlilies to the deepest part of the pond.
- If planted directly in the pond, remove dead foliage and leave the plant in place.
Hardy waterlilies naturally become dormant as water temperatures drop and do not need to be brought indoors.
Tropical waterlilies
Tropical waterlilies cannot tolerate freezing conditions and require different care.
- Keep tropical waterlilies in pond water above 50°F (10°C).
- In colder climates, overwinter them indoors in a heated pond, or remove the tubers and store them in moist sand.
- Tropical waterlilies can also be treated as annuals and replaced each spring.
Note: Storing tropical waterlily tubers can be difficult and may result in plant loss.
Hardy marginal plants
Hardy marginal plants can remain in the pond throughout winter.
- Trim taller plants, leaving up to 12 in. (30 cm) of foliage above the crown for winter protection.
- Do not trim plants shorter than 12 in. (30 cm).
- Leave grass-type pond plants untrimmed throughout winter.
- Remove dead foliage and grasses in spring before new growth appears.
Tropical marginal plants
Tropical marginal plants should be protected from freezing temperatures.
- Move plants indoors and maintain them as houseplants.
- Alternatively, allow the soil to become slightly moist, then store the plants in a garage or basement that remains above freezing.
- Return plants to the pond when water temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
In warmer climates, some tropical marginal plants may survive winter when buried in soil around the pond.