Where have all the water lilies gone?
Actually water hyacinth growth kills lilies over time by not allowing the lily to push new leaves through the water hyacinth mat. Deprived of sunlight over several months the roots and rhizomes weaken and can die. When these hyacinth mats are sprayed, the lilies elongate and appear to die. If not deprived of sunlight for too long, the lilies will recover and produce many new leaves. Good robust lily and spatterdock plants tolerate the herbicides real well, but overrun by water hyacinth, they are under more stress. This is another reason to keep water hyacinth and water lettuce at maintenance levels. Mexican water lilies are native to the southern part of the state. Cold sensitivity is the limiting factor in their northern expansion.
