Cultivars
There are many cultivars of this plant contact your local nursery for available varieties.

Hardy water lilies
This type of Lily produces a horizontal rhizome, requiring broader pots to 450 mm (18 in) wide.  They prefer organic rich soil and should be planted at the edge of the pot at a 45° angle with a growing tip facing towards the centre of the pot and covered with fine gravel ensuring that the growing tip protrudes above the surface.  

Tropical water lilies
These plants produce a vertical rhizome, and may be planted in small pots up to 250 mm (9¾ in) wide. They should not be transplanted until the water temperature reaches 21° C (75º F). 

The pot should be half filled with organic rich soils and the rhizome placed in the centre then covered with up to 50 mm (2 in) of pea gravel ensuring that the growing point is not covered.

Nymphaea x daubenyana
This tropical water lily grows up to 2.5 m (7ft) wide with a large leaves that have an undulating margin and produces upright white flowers with up to 21 petals and a yellow centre.  

The flowers appear profusely throughout summer and have a strong fragrance.  This perennial tolerates partial shade and cooler conditions but during winter it becomes dormant. It is widely cultivated in open areas in warmer climates, and under glass in cool regions.