What sort of lily, hardy or tropical?

It's Hardy (Nymphaea sioux)

You could pot it up and put it under the water as long as you're 18"+/- under water level. It will be fine and the stems will grow longer; a head-start.

Thanks for the replies

I guess i'l just put it outside then. I'd keep it inside but all my other pond plants are everywhere soaking up the sun waiting to go out! And even if it somehow gets too cold or whatever there's a guarantee on it so I could always get another one. Hopefully I won't Have to though!

Can't wait untill it starts to grow!

Thanks again

Pot it up in soil, I bought that exact lily and it didn't do anything in the coconut fiber. Will grow healthy leaves and bloom once potted in soil and given fertilizer tablets. Always have it in full sun. This lily has very nice foliage.

so lucky to live in Florida....lilies blooming all year round.

Hello! About a month ago I got a reduced for clearance ($2.50) Nymphaea x marliacca 'Albida' at Home Depot. The other colors all looked dead but not thie white ones. I stuck it on the highest step in my tiny pond. It has got about a dozen pads now and more coming. I just got a real pot and waterlily growing medium for it because it is in one of those small fiber pots. The man at the water garden store suggested that I carefully remove the fiber pot and not to do so until late in August since is actively growing. I am in Z6 on the north side of a hill. I just want a second or more opinion. Pond is about 100 gallons, about 2.5 ' at the deepest. He suggested that in late October I cut off the leaves and put it in the deep part of the pond to winter over. Comments please...and thank you in advance!