4-5 hrs direct light enough for hardy lilies?

[Joshaeus]

This is exactly what it sounds like...would 4-5 hrs of direct sunlight be enough to convince a hardy lily to bloom? My container water garden is going to be in a fairly shaded area to avoid cooking both the pond and its fishy occupants.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Should be enough. Maybe some other members in Zone 5 or close to will speak up. I know is my Zone 9a four hours of direct sunlight is equivalent to a full day in Zone 4.

 

[MitchM]

I've found that water temperature is the determining factor for hardy water lily growth and blooms.
You should have minimum 65 - 70f water temperature for blooms.

 

[Smaug]

Thats all mine needed to completely take over my pond.

 

[HARO]

Four hours MINIMUM for your lilies to bloom consistently! Less than that will give you leaves, but few if any flowers. At least in zone 5.
John

 

[Joshaeus]

OK! Guess I'll go ahead with a lily then...thank you! By the way...when do you put the hardy lilies into ponds? I was thinking as soon as the water started to consistently stay above freezing, but I may be wrong...should I wait until water temps are consistently in the 50's?

 

[Smaug]

Wherever yiu buy them from probably has them outside by now,if so just bring them home and drop them in. For winter just make sure they are deep enough to not freeze.

 

[Linus_Cello]

Yes but there are certain hardy waterlilliies that can do part shade better than others. Helvola, a Pygmy yellow, is one. There are some others (maybe Marliac hybrids?).