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.

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