James Knock, who lives in the United Kingdom, has been a dedicated collector of Strawn waterlily cultivars for many years and is an expert in their identification and cultivation. Most cultivars were obtained directly from Strawn Water Gardens in the years 1994 through 1998.

In these galleries, James takes us through seasonal and age related changes in coloration of many Strawn cultivars. High summer in England, sometimes only two to three weeks long, provides the most dramatic colors of all, often not seen in other climates. None of the images have been color enhanced or color adjusted.  

One area which always seems to be neglected in regard to hardy water lilies is the miniatures. We simply don't have enough really good ones to choose from. Miniature pinks are particularly few and far between so 'Pink Sparkle' fits in here beautifully.

Just what is a miniature lily anyway? To my mind it is anything which is small and compact enough to grow and flower well in the confines of a small tub. However, this does not include larger varieties which can adapt to these conditions. Most lilies with leaves under 10cm (4") diameter belong here.

I rate this little plant very highly, particularly in regard to its neat compact habit. Leaves are rarely over 10cm (4") in diameter and fan out in an almost perfect circle. They are highly decorative, green with numerous maroon splashes. As with many of Kirk's hybrids the proportions of this plant are quite superb. It is not unusual for the blooms to be as large as the leaves. This has to be one of the ultimate goals of any plant breeder and something of which Kirk is master.

The flowers themselves are quite exquisite! They go through considerable changes in their form in accordance with the plants maturity. It is quite common to have small cup shaped blooms together with larger stellate ones. In fully mature plants the flowers are held slightly above the foliage which really accentuates its impact.

'Pink Sparkle' is free flowering provided that its sun requirements are met. In my experience it needs at least six hours direct sunlight in order to perform. The perfect lily for that sunny patio.