Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily – A Heavy-Blooming Classic

The Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily is one of the finest, most dependable hardy waterlilies available today. Known for its sumptuous, color-changing blooms, Clyde Ikins begins with soft yellow flowers on young plants and matures into glowing shades of orange-peach and apricot-pink. Each bloom measures 4–6 inches across, with petals perfectly arranged into exquisite, classic waterlily form. To add to its charm, Clyde Ikins Waterlily has a sweet fragrance that enhances every pond setting.

The pads are olive green with light mottling, creating a beautiful contrast with the ever-changing flowers. Best of all, Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily is a true heavy bloomer, producing flower after flower daily from early summer until frost. This is a reliable, show-stopping addition to medium and large ponds.

Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily Planting and Care

Planting Depth

• Best planted 12–24 inches beneath the water’s surface.

• Can adapt to slightly shallower or deeper water (up to 30 inches), but blooms best in moderate depths.

Container Size

• Use a 15–20 inch wide aquatic fabric container for best results.

• Large containers allow rhizomes space to spread and support constant flowering.

Soil

• Plant in heavy loam topsoil or our PondGro Aquatic Planting Soil.

• Never use bagged compost or potting soil, which floats and decomposes in water.

Sunlight Needs

• Requires full sun (6+ hours daily) to reach its full blooming potential.

Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily Fertilizing Schedule

• Fertilize on the 1st and 15th of each month during the growing season (May–September).

• Use 4–6 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets, pushed 3–4 inches into the soil near the growing crown.

• Proper feeding ensures daily blooms throughout summer and into fall.

Do’s and Don’ts for Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily

✅ Do plant in full sun for strong growth and maximum flowering.
✅ Do divide rhizomes every 1–2 years once the container is rootbound to maintain health and blooming power.
✅ Do use large, wide containers with fresh loam soil when planting in pots.

❌ Don’t let the plant dry out when unpacking — plant immediately in your pond.
❌ Don’t overcrowd with other lilies or floating plants, as Clyde Ikins needs open water for its pads to absorb sunlight.
❌ Don’t use rocks, gravel, or bagged soil, as these hinder root growth and blooming.

Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily – Spec Box

• Flower Color: Yellow (young) to peach, orange, and apricot-pink (mature)

• Bloom Size: 4–6 inches

• Plant Spread: 4–6 feet

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet fragrance

• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6+ hours of direct light daily)

• Depth from Soil to Water’s Surface: 12–24 inches (up to 30 inches)

• Container Size: 15–20 inches wide (large aquatic fabric pot recommended)

• Soil Type: Heavy loam or PondGro Aquatic Planting Soil (no composted/bagged mixes)

• Fertilizer Schedule: 4–6 tablets on the 1st and 15th of each month, May–September

• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–11

• Shipped As: Live pond plant (must be repotted in a proper aquatic fabric container or planted directly into an earth-bottom pond immediately upon arrival)

🌸 This variety has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable heavy bloomers — Clyde Ikins Hardy Waterlily is an ideal choice for pond keepers who want flowers every single day in summer.