Years ago I gave florists complimentary dahlia bunches when they took the time to answer various questionnaires and preferences. One interesting point they made several times was that they liked working with the waterlily form because the blooms were shallow and would fit into arrangements without taking up too much depth. I thought there might be a market for a line of B size, "shallow" dahlias, with depth similar to waterlily but with more florets.
Kevin Larkin gifted me a Lady Nathalie (BIDW) cutting and it had the form and size blooms I wanted, plus the plant was very tall with strong stems. Lady Nathalie is an excellent, medium-size, pure white cut. I saved a few bee crossed seeds From Lady N.and from them I kept 2 of the first year seedlings. I only kept one of them after the second year. Over the years I have continued growing one plant of this seedling. It has the same general form/size as Lady Nathalie (6" wide, 3" deep), great stems, good vase life, and a color that may never ever be in vogue. Someday I might use her as a seed parent.
