Nulumbo nucifera

A compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 30cm tall, making a mound of ovate, bluish-green leaves. In summer it produces clusters of large, inflated balloon-like buds; these open to upward-facing white flowers. Grow in deep, light, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Established plants resent disturbance. Grow in a rock garden, container or front of a border