Water Lilies

This year, Contrary Mary’s will be offering an expanded variety of water and marginal (bog) plants. We will have a great display of them available at the farm in Minooka. We also have a great variety of them planted in and around our display ponds so you can actually see how they look growing in their natural environment! The following is just a taste of what we’ll offer- so come and see our great variety. While you’re there, talk to us about installing a water feature in your yard-among its other redeeming qualities, it’s like having a little piece of paradise of your very own! It’s more economical than you might think, requires no chemicals, and is actually easier to maintain than having the same size area of lawn. (How could you resist??!!)We also have a great variety of floating water plants, including hardy water lilies in several colors-or e-mail us for further info. Because we sell larger, more mature plants, WE ARE UNABLE TO SHIP PLANTS ON THIS PAGE, but be sure to visit our online store for bare root hostas and peonies.

Plant Name	Size (Height)	Container	Price
Achillea ptarmica	16”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy marginal has rose-like white blooms from June to September and likes sun to part sun. Water depth to 6”.
Acorus ‘Aureus’ (Sweet Flag)	2-3’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Iris like leaves that glow a golden yellow, this plant grows at the pond’s edge (2-5” of water). Sun/partial sun.
Acorus Gramineus ‘Ogon’	10”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Another Proven Winner! This dwarf Rush with golden variegated foliage forms dense clumps. It’s a hardy marginal that grows in water depth of 2-5” and requires full sun to part shade.
Acorus Gramineus ‘Variegata’	10-12”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy water plant has brightly colored creamy variegation on narrow, grass-like foliage. It can be planted in shallow water up to 5” deep or in a moist area in the garden, full sun to part shade.
Alisma parviflora	2’	4½”	$9.95
This Water Baby’s Breath is a hardy marginal that can be planted in 0-6” of water. It has very round, heavily veined foliage and pink flowers mid-summer.
Alternathera sessilis	12”	4½”	$9.95
A great tropical with reddish burgundy foliage that cascades. It can grow in water up to 4” deep and makes a great foliage accent, sun to part shade.
Anemopsis californica	16-20”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy water plant has large, waxy grayish-green leaves that lay flat and white flowers almost all summer. Water depth up to 5”, full to part sun.
Bacopa caroliniana	2-4”	4½”	$9.95
This Tropical marginal grows best in shallow water and has lemon-scented, fleshy leaves and dainty blue flowers all summer long. Loves the sun!
Bletilla striata	12-14”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy orchid has shiny green strap-like foliage and hot pink flowers in summer. Be careful not to put it in more than a couple of inches of water--does great in a damp, shadyish garden too!
Caltha Palustris (Cowslip, Marsh Marigold)	2’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Wetlands native with bright yellow foliage and glossy green leaves, dormant late summer; partial shade.
Caltha Palustris ‘Flora Plenco’	18”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Marsh Marigold has double yellow flowers in spring and can grow in 4-5” of water or just soggy soil. It may go dormant in summer if grown in full sun-shade it and you will enjoy it all season!
Canna Pretoria	36-40”	#1	$6.95
This unusual tropical water Canna has zebra-striped, striking foliage and huge melon-orange bloom in summer. Great in the garden or in containers, and can be used in the water garden if gradually introduced to the water. Eventually can handle up to 6” of water.
Canna ‘Stuttgart’	5’	#1	$6.95
This tropical has astounding foliage with clear white “brushstrokes” at the edge of each leaf. It also has small salmon flowers in summer and enjoys full sun.
Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ (Elephant’s Ear)	3-4’	#1	$9.95
This tropical from Proven Winners is known for its striking deep purple, almost black foliage. Rarely flowers, makes a great houseplant if kept in a dish of shallow water, and likes full sun to part shade. Can be grown in 1-6” of water.
Colocasia illustris	3’	#1	$9.95
Another way-cool tropical from Proven Winners with black foliage that is highlighted with bright green veins.
Cyperus ‘Variegatus’ (Umbrella Sedge)	18”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Stunning plant with whorls of variegated foliage, sun or shade. Water depth maximum 6”, not hardy here.
Cyperus Alternifolius ‘Gracilis’	18”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This dwarf Umbrella plant has fantastic foliage and can grow in 1-6” of water, sun or shade. It is a tropical but makes a great houseplant in the winter (use a shallow saucer for the water).
Cyperus Angustifolius	16”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This miniature Umbrella plant has needle-shaped leaf whorls-gives a tropical look to your water feature! Again, this is a tropical.
Cyperus Haspan	18”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This dwarf Papyrus is topped with round, spiked flower heads of yellow-green florets that turn bronze in late summer. Grow this tropical in 1-4” of water in sun/part shade
Cyperus Longus	30”	4½”	$9.95
This aquatic plant’s common name is Hardy Umbrella Papyrus, and it may actually be hardy to our zone—there’s a discrepancy whether it is hardy to zone 5 or 6. It LOOKS very tropical with bright green leaves with “bumbershoots” at their tip! It will grow in full sun to part shade, 1-5” of water.
Cyperus percamenthus	12-18”	4½”	$9.95
A darling dwarf papyrus with very large tufts that top off its foliage. It can go in water up to 6” deep and makes a great houseplant in the winter!
Dichromena colorata	18-24”	4½”	$9.95
A very interesting tropical with green, grass-like foliage that is topped with bright white star like flowers all summer. Water depth up to 5”, sun to part sun.
Echinodorus ‘Marble Queen’	10”	4½”	$9.95
A way-cool tropical that thrives in shallow water up to fully submerged depths! It has green leaves that are “marbled” with yellow and white, sun to part shade.
Equisetum Scirpoides (Dwarf Horsetail)	12”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
American native with dark green, segmented leaves. Great for edge of pond (water max 4”) Sun/part shade
Geum rivale	10-12”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy Water Avens has pendulous bell-shaped flowers of orange that nod in the wind starting in early summer above soft, deeply lobed green foliage. Spent flowers form darling furry seed heads! Will slowly colonize and likes water depth of moist up to 2” water. Sun to bright shade.
Glyceria Aquatica ‘Variegata’	18”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This hardy variegated manna grass has pink, grass-like foliage in spring which later turns white and yellow. Grow in sun to part shade, water depth up to 4”.
Heydychium coronarium	30”	4½”	$9.95
This tropical White Butterfly Ginger has huge white fragrant flowers that resemble butterflies May thru July. It likes shade to partial shade and will grow in up to 6” of water.
Hippuris vulgaris	12”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy Mare’s Tail has lacy, bottle-brush foliage that is excellent has an oxygenator and to consume nitrates in the pond. Fish love to hide in it and may spawn in it! Can be used as marginal or submerged below water—sun to partial shade.
Hydrocotyl (Pennywort)	2-5”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Evergreen mat of circular, crinkled-edged waxy leaves & white tufts of flowers July and August. Sun to part shade, water max 2”
Hydrocotyle ‘Crystal Confetti’	2”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This variegated Pennywort has ½” round leaves that are shiny with yellow margins. Great as a groundcover in moist area or water up to 2”, it grows in sun or shade. Questionable as to its hardiness here, it is well worth trying!
Iris ensata ‘Imperial Magic’	28”-36”	#1	$9.95
This beautiful Japanese Iris has large, 6-7” flowers that are white with purple mottling and veins. Can be in 2-3” of water or moist garden.
Iris ensata ‘Mount Fujiyama’	28-36”	#1	$9.95
This pure white Japanese Iris glows! Plant it with ‘Royal Robes’ for a stunning contrast!
Iris ensata ‘Royal Robes’	28-36”	#1	$9.95
A very dark, almost black purple large flower with a tiny yellow fleck. Great in the perennial bed or up to 3” of water.
Iris Laevigata ‘Snowdrift’		Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This hardy rabbit ear iris has narrow, attractive blue-green foliage and creamy white flower in early summer, full sun to part shade. Water depth-moist to 6”.
Iris louisiana ‘Anne Chowning’	28-36”	4½”	$9.95
This great Iris blooms late spring with large, deep red flowers with a yellow throat. Foliage looks attractive all season. Likes full sun to part shade, will grow in moist soil up to 3” of water. They are not fond of moving water, so try not to site them too close to your waterfall!
Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’	24-30”	4½”	$9.95
This iris has deep purple flowers with golden signals.
Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegatus’	36-48”	4½”	$9.95
Outstanding variegated green and cream vertical striped foliage and tons of yellow flowers in late spring makes this hardy water plant a must! It can go in water up to 6”, sun to part shade.
Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’ (Corkscrew Rush)	12”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Soft, densely tufted dark green foliage w/ strong spirals. Sun/part shade, water max 5”.
Juncus effusus	18-24”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Soft Rush grows in dense clumps of green, spiky foliage and has small, greenish-brown flowers from July-September. This hardy marginal grows in water up to 6”, sun or shade.
Juncus effusus ‘Gold Strike’	24”	4½”	$9.95
This great new Hardy Variegated Rush has dark green stems with yellow variegated stripes. It can grow in moist soil up to 6” of water, full sun to part shade.
Juncus Ensifolius	24”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This hardy broad leaf rush is flat stemmed and has round dark flower balls at the end of its spike. Great for vertical accent, it grows in up to 2” water.
Juncus inflexus	2’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Blue Rush has upright, narrow, blue-gray spiky foliage. This hardy marginal grows in water up to 6”, sun or shade.
Juncus tenuis	4”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Path Rush makes a great groundcover for moist areas or water up to 2”. This hardy marginal has very fine, soft-textured emerald green tufted leaves, and grows in sun to part shade.
Lindernia grandiflora	1”	4½”	$9.95
This tropical Angel’s Tears make a great groundcover for the pond’s edge or in 2” water! Flowers with tiny blue flowers with white centers in summer; sun to bright shade.
Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Nana’	10”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy Ragged Robin has narrow leaves and bright pink flowers late spring to early summer. Will take moist soil up to 3” water depth; sun to partial sun.
Lysmachia ‘Outback Sunset’	3-4”	4½”	$9.95
This tropical is an outstanding groundcover for pond’s edge up to 2” water and has yellow and green variegated foliage with orange yellow flowers in summer.
Mimulus Ringens	18”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Lavender Monkey Flower has shiny foliage and lavender-blue snapdragon-like flowers all summer long. This hardy marginal grows in moist soil up to 6” of water, sun or part shade.
Myosotis muticata ‘Variegatus’	6-8”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy water Forget-Me-Not had variegated foliage and bright blue flowers; flowers heavily in spring and early summer but will continue to bloom throughout the season! Great along/in streams, likes moist soil up to 3” water.
Myosotis Palustris	12”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This water Forget-Me-Not has fragrant, bright blue flowers in spring and attractive green foliage. This hardy marginal can grow in up to 6” of water, sun or shade.
Myriophyllum Aquaticum		Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This hardy parrot’s feather is an excellent oxygenator and great for a fish-spawning habitat-the fish and turtles also love to nibble on it! It has lush, lacy, lime-green foliage, a fast grower, and can take water depth of 24”, sun or shade.
Myriophyllum brasiliensis	15-24”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy Parrot’s Feather has blue-green, lacy foliage and red stems. It is a great oxygenator that can be grow submerged with its foliage floating gently towards the surface (fish like to munch on it too!)
Myriophyllum propium	15-24”	4½”	$9.95
Another unusual Parrot’s Feather with dark green stems and bright, conifer type foliage.
Peltandra virginica	12-16”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy has large, arrow shaped leaves that are typically 10-12” long and yellow-green flowers. Looks tropical but it isn’t! Water depth up to 6”, sun to part shade.
Pontederia Cordata (Blue Pickerel)	24”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Shiny, dark green, cordate leaves and large spikes of bright blue flowers summer. Sun/part shade, water max 12”.
Pontederia cordata ‘Pink Pons’	24”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy Pickerel has shiny lance-shaped foliage and pink flowers in summer. Can take full sun to bright shade. Likes moist soil to 6” water depth.
Primula vialli	24”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy plants has poker-shaped fragrant flowers that range from hot pink, red, or purple and attracts butterflies! Can be grown in moist soil up to 3” water; sun to bright shade.
Ranunculus flammula	6-8”	4½”	$9.95
This creeping Spearwort grows both above and below the water’s surface, with narrow leaves that grow star-like from the plant’s crown. Flowers are numerous, small and buttercup-like bright yellow.  Can be grown in moist soil up to 5” water, sun to bright shade.
Ruellia Brittoniana	3’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Water Blue Bell has willow-like foliage with a 24” spread and is constantly covered with 1-2” blue petunia-like flowers all summer. This tropical marginal can be planted in moist soil or up to 6” of water, in sun.
Ruellia brittonia ‘Chi-Chi’	24”	4½”	$9.95
A great tropical that blooms ALL SUMMER with petunia-like pink flowers that attract butterflies. Can grow in up to 3” of water.
Ruellia ‘Pink Katie’	10”	4½”	$9.95
A lovely tropical that blooms her little heart out with dusty pink, petunia-like flowers all summer. Attracts hummers and butterflies, is a compact grower, and has great looking foliage. Water depth up to 5”, sun to part sun.
Ruellia ‘Strawberries & Cream’	12-18”	4½”	$9.95
Same as the above but with interesting variegated, almost speckly foliage!
Ruellia Squarosa	3’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This tropical marginal blooms profusely all summer with cornflower blue blossoms. Plant in water up to 6” deep, full sun.
Rumex sanguineus	12”	4½”	$9.95
Some debate over whether this is tropical or hardy, it has lance-shaped light green leaves with blood red veins. Great texture, and edible too! Water depth up to 5”, sun to part shade.
Sagittaria Australis ‘Silk Stockings’	24”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy Bronze Arrowhead has bold, distinctive, arrow-shaped leaves that start dark bronze in spring, gradually lightening up as the season progresses. White, apple-blossom like flowers appear in summer. It likes full sun to part shade and can grow in 1-6” of water.
Sagittaria gramineus	12”	4½”	$9.95
This hardy Arrowhead has sword shaped foliage and white apple-blossom shaped flowers in summer. Can be grown in water up to 6” depth, sun to partial sun.
Sagittaria Latifolia	3-4’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This native plant was named “Duck Potatoes” by the Indians for the edible tubers they produce. It has dark green, arrow-shaped leaves and white flower clusters in summer, is hardy, and can be grow in water depth up to 12” in sun to part shade.
Sagittaria graminea ‘Crushed Ice’	24”	4½”	$9.95
This Arrowhead has variegated arrow-shaped leaves that are way-cool!
Saururus cernuus (Lizard Tail)	20”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Neat, cordate leaves with graceful, white tails of flowers spring and summer. Sun to shade, water max 6”.
Saururus cernuus ‘Ruminoides’	24”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This hardy red-stemmed lizard’s tail has burgundy red stems and fragrant white flowers most of the summer and grows in sun or shade. Water up to 6” deep.
Scirpus zebrinus	3-4’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Zebra Rush has cream horizontal banding on its stem, is hardy, and can be grown in up to 6” of water, sun or part shade.
Schizostylis coccinea	18”	4½”	$9.95
This tropical Kaffir Lily has gladiola-like flowers and foliage, producing showy red flowers late summer to fall when some pond plants are no longer looking their best. It grows in damp soil to 1” of water in sun.
Scirpus cernuus	10”	4½”	$9.95
Its common name Fiber Optic Plant, says it all! It has very thin stems that produce little dancing pearls at their ends. Fantastic effect! Can grow in water up to 6”; I’m not sure of the hardiness because I’ve read that it actually is hardy to zone 5! Anyone care to comment??!
Scirpus Holoschoenus	24-30”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This hardy reed rush has thin, grass-like green foliage with a silver streak running down the middle. Likes sun and water up to 6”.
Thalia dealbata	3-5’	4½”	$9.95
This hardy plant LOOKS tropical with its blue-gray powdery leaves that remind you of a banana plant leaf. It has purple flowers in late summer and can grow in moist soil up to 6” of water, sun to part shade.
Thalia geniculata ruminoides	2-4’	4½”	$9.95
This tropical is nicknamed red-stemmed alligator flag ‘cause it “flags” the presence of an alligator as it swims and rustles the plant. So, any gator problems, you DEFINITELY need this one! It has very large leaves on red stems and blooms pinkish-purple bell-shaped flowers in summer. Moist soil to 6” water depth also.
Tulbaghia ‘Variegata’	12-20”	4½”	$9.95
This tropical has cream striped, grass-like foliage and pinkish star shaped flowers in summer. Moist soil to 5” water, sun to bright shade.
Typha Latifolia ‘Variegata’	3’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Variegated Cattail has broad, creamy, variegated leaves and dark brown flower spikes that are 3-6” long. It is not aggressive like the common Cattail, and can be grown in water depth 1-12”, sun to part shade.
Typha Laxmanii	3-4’	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
This Graceful Cattail has narrow, grayish-green half-round leaves and brown flower spikes in late summer. This hardy marginal grows in 1-12” of water, sun to part shade
Typha Minima (Miniature Cattail)	18”	Jumbo Sq	$9.95
Cattail with slender, stiff leaves. Rising above foliage in late summer are miniature brown seed heads-adorable! Water max 2.”
Wedelia trilobata	10”	4½”	$9.95
This great tropical Water Zinnia has awesome glossy dark-green foliage and yellow Zinnia-type flowers all summer. It has a low, spreading habit, likes full sun to part shade, and grows in moist soil to 4” water.
Zantedeschia aethiopica	30”	4½”	$9.95
This tropical Calla Lily has gorgeous white flowers all summer and shiny dark green foliage. Can be grown in moist soil up to 4” water and makes a great houseplant. Sun to shade.
Zephyranthes candida	4”	4½”	$9.95
A cute little tropical also called a rain lily with loads of white crocus-like flowers in summer above grass-like foliage. Shade to partial sun, water depth up to 3”.

Floating and submerged plants are great oxygenators, and compete against algae. They help to moderate water temperatures, and provide cover for your fish. The following are some of the varieties of floating water plants we have-visit us to see more!!

Plant Name		Price
Eichhornia Crassipes (Water Hyacinth)		$5.95
This tropical floater stays afloat with air-filled sacs in the bulbous leaves. It produces gorgeous bluish to lilac blooms that last one day. It is a heavy feeder and requires heat and sunlight to flourish.
Hottonia palustris (Water Violet)	6” if grown as marginal	4½”	$9.95
Another EXCELLENT Oxygenator that can be grown as a marginal or go as deep as 18”. It is hardy and has deeply serrated leaves on erect stems, giving it a feathery appearance. In the summer it produces pretty violet flowers among the foliage. Full to part sun.
Pistia Stratiotes (Water Lettuce)		$5.95
This tropical floater resembles lush floating heads of cabbage (no, it’s not edible!) it likes partial shade, and your fish will love to nibble at its feathery roots (roots also provide a spawning and hiding area for the fish).
The following are several varieties of hardy Water Lilies. All hardy lilies are day blooming and should be planted at a depth of 18-36” (we recommend putting them in a container to plant) away from swiftly moving water in sun to partial sun.
Nymphaea ‘Alba’	5’ spread	5” pot	$26.95
This Hardy Water Lily has 4-6” white peony-shaped blooms and green foliage. Good for medium to large ponds.
Nymphaea ‘Almost Black’	6’ spread	5” pot	$26.95
This one has 8-9” cherry-soda red peony-shaped blooms and dark green foliage. Good for medium to large ponds.
Nymphaea ‘Attraction’	4-5’ spread	5” pot	$26.95
This Hardy Water Lily has 10-12” dark watermelon red goblet shaped blooms and green foliage. Good for medium to large ponds.
Nymphaea ‘Aurora’	3’ spread	5” pot	$26.95
This changeable lily has 4½” cup-shaped blooms that start creamy yellow, turn orange, then dark red. Green foliage has maroon blotches on it! Good for tubs or small ponds.
Nymphaea ‘Burgundy Princess’	4-6’ spread	5” pot	$26.95
This one has goblet shaped 6-8” blooms of bing cherry red and is good for medium to large ponds.
Nymphaea ‘Chromatella’	5-6’ spread	5” pot	$26.95
This beauty has 4-6” goblet shaped blooms of canary yellow and olive green foliage with bronze splotches! Earned the Royal Horticulture Society Award of Garden Merit in 1895! Good for any pond!
Nymphaea ‘Colorado’	4-5’ spread	5” pot	$26.95
This is a peach lily—starts out yellow with pink in spring, then turns to smoky salmon in summer. Blooms are cactus shaped and 4-6”; good for medium ponds!