Flower of the Month

Waterlily flowers add an exotic touch to a room, but rarely last more than five days when cut. Pick buds or flowers that have just opened – they’ll feel firm to the touch. When planting waterlilies, line mesh baskets with peat or coconut fibre and use good heavy soil, not potting mix. Make sure roots are at the bottom of the mesh basket with leaves floating on the water. The depth of water varies according to variety, with dwarf species often only needing about 10-30cm. Raise baskets up onto bricks if water is deeper than required. Feed plants with at least three fertiliser tablets at the start of the growing season.