Nymphaea ‘Walter Pagels’ – Dwarf Water Lily

Description

There are a number of dwarf to small white water lilies suitable for tub culture – species N. leibergii or N. tetragona (both hard to find – occasionally N. tetragona is available, often under the name ‘Pygmy Alba’ – moreover, they seem a bit susceptible to crown rot, and, hailing from northern climes, probably don’t like the hot temperatures associated with tub culture) – I think ‘Walter Pagels’ is the best. There are a couple varieties I’ve never grown, such as ‘Snow Queen’ and the new ‘Siam Jasmine’ which look promising. I’ve also long wanted to trial ‘Laydekeri Alba’ but have never found a plant available for purchase. Truth be told, the color of ‘Walter Pagels’ is a little more complex than “white”. It was created by Kirk Strawn and, like a number of his hybrids, changes color with the seasons. At the height of summer the base color becomes ivory and the flower takes on a sheen of pink to salmon color.