Want to plant some water lilies, of the "Hardy" variety!?

Question

I would like red, or yellow, for the flowers. I have a lake in my back yard, but is isn't mine. Consequently, I don't want an "invasive" prolific breeder. Would it be better to just get tropical and let them die out each year? How long to regrow them the next year?

Any suggestions? Where to obtain? I'm in Arkansas, zone 7 I believe.

Answer 1

Hardy water lilies are invasive weeds and will take over the lake. If you plant tropicals you will lose them yearly by about October.  Unfortunately, you will probably lose them to ducks, turtles and raccoons long before you lose them to cold weather. You would replant in late May or early June yearly. They would reach the top of the pond in a few weeks.