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Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'
Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'

Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'

Water Lily
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
Out of stock
£0.00 - £0.00
£0.00
£9.10
£9.10 - £36.00
£9.10
Type: Loose Root
Size Information

You can choose plants in various pot sizes. Non-potted plants arrive bare root for you to pot in the specified pot size.

Seasonal Information

Depending on the time of year, pond plants may be supplied fully-leaved, with flowers, or with foliage trimmed back.

Delivery Information

This plant is grown in the UK and sent directly from our tried, tested and trusted plant partner. Delivery price calculated at checkout.

Description of Nymphaea 'WB Shaw'

Nymphaea 'W.B. Shaw' is a hardy water lily grown for pale shell-pink flowers that deepen towards the centre and a generous, pond-friendly habit. Some sellers list it as Odorata W.B. Shaw, linking it to the American white lily group, but in everyday pond plant trade it is usually shortened to W.B. Shaw. It grows from a rhizome, forms a floating raft of pads, and flowers through summer in still water. It suits gardeners who want a soft pink that is not too strong and who appreciate a plant that will still flower in a slightly less than perfect spot.

Appearance

W.B. Shaw produces rounded floating leaves that can reach the low 20 cm range, creating steady surface cover. Flowers are commonly described as nicely shaped and around 15 cm across in many UK listings. The petals open a pale, shell-pink tone and deepen towards the centre, with golden stamens adding warmth. Several sources describe it as very free flowering, and some also mention that it tolerates a bit of shade better than many lilies, though it still performs best in sun. Fragrance is sometimes described as light, but scent is best treated as variable and weather dependent.

Care Guide

Plant W.B. Shaw in still water and give it as much sun as you can. Use a wide aquatic basket with heavy loam based compost and cap with washed gravel. Depth guidance varies a bit between suppliers, with some quoting shallower planting around 20–50 cm and others placing it more like 40–80 cm once established. A practical approach is to start around 20–30 cm over the crown in spring, then lower gradually until the pads sit comfortably on the surface and buds rise cleanly. Feed with aquatic fertiliser tablets through summer and remove old leaves so the plant stays open. It is hardy, so keep the rhizome below the ice line in winter.

Suitability for Garden Ponds

W.B. Shaw suits small to medium ponds where you want a gentle pink flower and reliable surface shade. Some listings describe a compact spread around 70–90 cm, while others allow a broader footprint in strong growth, so plan space and keep it in a basket if you need control. The pads provide cover for fish and wildlife and help reduce glare on bright days. Because the colour is subtle, it looks best near a seating area or path where you can see the detail in the petals.

FAQs

What size water lily do I need for my pond?

Choose a water lily according to the eventual spread of its leaves and the depth of your pond. Compact and miniature varieties are suitable for small ponds and containers, while vigorous varieties need substantially more surface area and deeper water.

How deep should a water lily be planted?

Planting depth varies by variety. Newly planted water lilies can initially be positioned in shallower water, sometimes by raising the basket on bricks, and then lowered gradually as the leaves grow towards the surface. Check the recommended final depth for the specific variety.

Do water lilies need full sun to flower?

Most water lilies flower best with plenty of direct sunlight. A pond in heavy shade may produce fewer flowers, although requirements vary between varieties. When choosing a water lily, consider both the available sunlight and the mature size of the plant.

Can I grow a water lily in a small pond?

es. There are compact and miniature water lilies bred for small ponds, tubs and other container water features. Avoid choosing a vigorous full-sized variety for a small pond, as it can quickly cover too much of the surface.

Why is my water lily growing leaves but not flowering?

Poor flowering can result from insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, an unsuitable planting depth or lack of nutrients. Established water lilies may need dividing and repotting when congested, and plants that flower poorly may benefit from an appropriate aquatic fertiliser where feeding is required.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.

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