Photo: Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
.jpg){kind=link}
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Yellow water lily: when and how to prune
Nuphar lutea
Yellow water lily is best pruned in August–September.
| Pruning months | August–September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Yellow water lily: when to prune it?
It is not really pruned. In August and September, cut off yellow leaves and spent flowers.
Yellow water lily: how to prune it?
- Cut yellow leaves with long-handled shears or a pruning knife as close to the rhizome as possible.
- Remove spent flower stalks if you do not want seedlings.
- In August, cut off rhizomes growing over the rim of the basket.
- Leave cut leaves on the bank for a while so small creatures can return to the pond.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: August–September.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Never work alone in deep water, and use long-handled tools from the bank or a sturdy plank.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Yellow water lily · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.