This year we continued our best practices of using two growing sites to ensure the best condition for all categories of waterlilies. The hardy and hardy ISG waterlilies were grown at Latour-Marliac with grower Francisco Lopez. The tropical and night blooming waterlilies were once again grown at Naples Botanical Garden with grower Matthew Herrman.
This year’s competition featured 20 entries in the following four (4) categories: Hardy, Hardy Intersubgeneric, Tropical Day and Tropical Night-Blooming waterlilies.
An international panel of judges evaluated the entries based on the quality of the flowers, foliage, the plant’s general impression and uniqueness. This year’s competition was judged using images from both the grower and hybridizer as well as a brief description of the plant from the hybridizer when registered. Among the judges were professional waterlily growers from botanic gardens and plant nurseries, hybridizers, and experienced hobbyists.
2025 Judges, in alphabetical order:
- Tomás Escribano- IWGS B.O.D., Spain
- Marc Hachadourian- New York Botanic Garden, United States
- Steve Hampson- United States
- Andre Leu- International Director, Regeneration International, Australia
- Marco Millet- IWGS B.O.D. Mexico
- Rolf Nelson- Owner Nelson Water Gardens & Nursery, United States
- Richard Sacher-Hybridizer, United States
- Jon Sander- Aquatic Horticulturist Glenstone Museum, United States
- Jimmy Smith- Atlanta Botanic Garden, United States
- John Sou- John Sou, Water Garden Paradise, Australia
THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 IWGS NEW WATERLILY COMPETITION
2025 IWGS Best Overall New Waterlily
Nymphaea ‘Prueksakan’
by Arun Kobkaew (Thailand)
2025 IWGS Best New Hardy Waterlilies
1st Place
Nymphaea ‘Phoenixes’
by Li Xiao (China)
2nd Place
Nymphaea ‘I Love You’
by Mr. Timo Gabriel (Germany)
2025 IWGS Best New Hardy Intersubgeneric Waterlilies
1st Place
Nymphaea ‘Ramata Kane’
by Florian Henaux (France)
2nd Place
Nymphaea ‘Aria’
by Zijun Li (China)
2025 IWGS Best Tropical Day blooming Waterlilies
1st Place
Nymphaea ‘Prueksakan’
by Arun Kobkaew (Thailand)
2nd Place
Nymphaea ‘Iris’
By Somchan Treesuwan (Thailand)
2025 IWGS Best Tropical Night blooming Waterlilies
1st Place
Nymphaea ‘Lucky Baby’
by Manut Aree (Thailand)
2nd Place
Nymphaea ‘Ruby Nocturne’
by Wachira Singkong (Thailand)
Finally, a thank you once again to the Growers, Hybridizers and supporting Institutions in this year’s competition.
Looking forward the 2026 NWC will feature entries in the following categories:
Hardy, Hardy ISG, Tropical Day flowering and Tropical ISG’s.