How to prune white water lily

Throughout the growing season (spring through autumn) as leaves yellow or flowers fade. Use sharp aquatic scissors to cut spent flower stems and yellowed leaves cleanly back to the crown below the waterline, removing cuttings from the pond to preserve water quality.

As needed throughout the growing season. Nymphaea alba needs no structural pruning — its floating growth is self-managing. Routine maintenance means removing yellowing or damaged leaves and deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season to prevent decay fouling the water and to encourage continuous bloom. No hard cutting back is needed or beneficial.

Use sharp aquatic scissors to cut spent flower stems and yellowed leaves cleanly back to the crown below the waterline, removing cuttings from the pond to preserve water quality.