Storing Water Lilies Over Winter (Michigan)

Zone 5–6 Michigan winters. Draining the pond. How to store potted lilies?

Step-by-Step

1. Trim: Cut all pads and stems 2 inches above soil.
2. Containerize: Place entire pot in a heavy-duty trash bag or lidded bucket.
3. Relocate: Move to cool (40–50°F), dark space—unheated garage, basement, crawlspace. Avoid sunlight (triggers premature growth).
4. Maintain Moisture: Check weekly. Soil should be damp, not soggy. Lightly water if dry.
5. No Fertilizer: Dormancy requires zero nutrients.

Spring Reintroduction

• After last frost, return pots to pond.
• Lower gradually: start on shallow shelf, move deeper weekly.
• Fertilize only when new leaves reach surface.

Hardy lilies (most named cultivars) survive this easily. Tropicals need heated indoor ponds.