When you order water lilies to be shipped, which do you prefer, tubers or plants?
Here are pros and cons of each. Plants are most often shipped, but the plant suffers some transplant shock when shipped and sets the plant back somewhat. It is more expensive to ship, plus because of the amount of room it takes to grow it out, it is more expensive to buy. However, if it is blooming, you can see the color of the bloom, and if budding you may have blooms a few weeks faster.
On the other hand, sprouted tubers will grow quickly when the water and air temps are warm enough. If you order early, you can hold onto the tuber and store it until the weather is cooperating for planting. If it were a grown plant you would have to find a warm place with enough light to keep it until the pond is ready for it. A tuber can be shipped cheaper because of it's size, and you do not have transplant shock. It will grow quickly when weather is right.
What has been your experience? Your thoughts?