Above: Nymphaea ‘Marliacea Albida’ (c.1880, Latour-Marliac). Described by Latour-Marliac as having ‘very large white flowers of 20cm (7 7⁄8in) diameter, of which the exterior petals are pink-washed.’ Large water lily with an abundant and sustained flowering season from May to October and is suitable for naturalising on lakes. Right: Nymphaea ‘Arc-en-Ciel’ (1900, Latour-Marliac). The rainbow in the name relates to the striations across the pads rather than the pink-tinged white flowers. Large water lily, suitable for naturalising on lakes. Below: Nymphaea ‘Tuberosa Richardsoni’ (1894, Richardson). The N. tuberosa is a native of NE USA, the flowers are up to 23cm (9in) wide, pure white and slightly scented. LatourMarliac ordered this water lily from America via William Robinson. Large water lily, suitable for lakes and ponds.
Overleaf: Nymphaea ‘Hal Miller’ (1940, Miller). Miller Water Gardens of San Gabriel, California was as well known for its goldfish varieties as water lilies. The founder was Hal Miller for whom this water lily is named, following the successful hybridisation of a ‘Sunrise’ with a ‘Virginalis’. The flowers which look like a cactus dahlia can reach more than 30cm (12in) in diameter. Very large water lily, suitable for lakes and ponds.