Showy, vanilla-scented, semi-double, pale pink flowers with golden-yellow centres appear from June to September. This popular water lily often produces white flowers the first year after planting. Best planted at a depth of 45-75cm (18-30in), it needs plenty of space, so makes an excellent choice for a lake or large, deep, wildlife pond, where the dark green leaves create a shady underwater habitat for native fish and amphibians. The shade cast by the foliage also helps to check the spread of algae.