Nymphaea are commonly known as water lilies, of which there are two types: tropical and hardy. Tropical waterlilies don’t do well in winter, whereas the hardy variety can tolerate the cold. Wanvisa is an award-winning hardy water lily, fast-growing and with spectacular blooms. Blossoms emerge peach-coloured and evolve to deep pink, star-shaped flowers with yellow flecking. Blooms are 3-5 in. in diameter and appear from spring through to fall. Very occasionally, flowers may be half yellow and half pink. Rubbery lilypads feature shades of red and mottled green. Although highly decorative for any water garden, water lilies also provide useful shade, reducing algae in ponds.