When I ordered Water Lily I didn't really believe it would make great heads of flowers in my own garden; but it started doing so in its first season. The color fades from the blossoms in a few days. And they begin to look flatter and flatter for some time after opening; but they still add interest to the plant one, two, or maybe even three weeks after they open. Here in the AZ mountains, I've had no problems with pests or disease. It does have a tendency to make big canes that can throw the plant a little off-balance; but my hope is that in a few years it will naturally balance out.