Hi encore Karen , It's wonderful having Lilypons just down the road ( well , just 30 minutes drive from us here in Bethesda) , being able to take the kids there to see all there wonderful ponds is a real bonus. I picked up Tropical Water Lily 'Moonbeam' the other week , Lilypons is not cheap but for a large flowering plant prepotted for the season one does mind paying a good price.I guess when I have a stock of plants next year I can start trading stuff with other members in the area around here.
You seem to be right about the Talia colouring up when bigger , I'm after max colour , so I'm out there everyday for a look
There was a nice young man at Lilypons I was talking too and he was saying the Red Stem is not that popular as it's not Winter hardy like Thalia Dealbata . I know it's a bit of trouble to over Winter Red Stem but the result is worth a little trouble for sure.
Thanks again for your offer of plants
Best Wishes
Steve