Position: full sunDepth of water: 75-120cm (30-48in)Rate of growth: averageUltimate spread: 120cm (48in)Height above surface: 0-10cm (0-4in) Flowering period: June to SeptemberHardiness: fully hardyFrom summer through to autumn, stunning, fragrant, white, goblet-shaped flowers appear with bright yellow stamens and young bronzed leaves that turn pea-green with age. This large water lily is best grown at a planting depth of 75-120cm (30-48in). It needs plenty of space, so makes an excellent choice for a lake or large, deep, wildlife pond, where the dark green leaves create a shady underwater habitat for native fish and amphibians. The shade cast by the foliage also helps to check the spread of algae. Garden care: Plant firmly in a hessian-lined aquatic planting basket filled with aquatic compost. Apply a 2.5cm (1in) top-dressing of pea shingle or gravel to prevent the top layer of the planting medium from clouding the water. The crown of the plant should protrude slightly above the surface of the planting basket. Raise the basket on bricks when the plant is young, gradually lowering them as the plant matures, so that the leaves float on the surface.

aquatic