Water lily

Water lilies come in all sizes, from expansive giants suitable only for lakes, to very small varieties such as N. odorata var. minor, formerly , which is ideal for planting in a small, formal pond or even in aquatic-tub and half-barrel gardens. Its gleaming white flowers, fragrant and enhanced with conspicuous yellow stamens, appear over a long season, as early as late May in a warm sunny position and continuing into mid-autumn. Like all small lilies, the plants may need protection if they are growing in shallow water that is likely to freeze hard, and they should be insulated if planted in tubs.