We love to give more information about the hybridisers beyond the cultivars we sell. We believe that knowing the hybridiser also gives us more information on the waterlily itself.
Michael F.Duff: American or New Zealander?
But to be honest, Michael F.Duff is a tricky one
There is little information on this guy, but what we do know, we like to share it with you.
As for the origin of his hybrids, it always mentions the United States of America but I also found some clues he would be from New Zealand.
Through our contact with Andreas Protopapas, we finally received more information about Michael F. Duff. He is originally from New Zealand, but now has a bow maker company in Indiana. Yes, a bow maker company. No, not one where they make weapons but one where they make beautiful bows for music instruments, such as violins, cellos… Look at his website and enjoy a stunning craftsmanship or look at this small video were he explains his passion for bow making.
This man is used to creating beauties in his daily life, no wonder that his waterlilies are also a piece of art.
He won two prices in 1997 at the IWGS. One for best small hardy with his Nymphaea Albina and one for the best dwarf hardy, Nymphaea Deva. The last one would have tetragona as parrent, a species that’s not used very often until then. But it’s Michael Duff’s specialty.
The parentage of most of his hybrids are unknown. Either he doesn’t want to give away his secret or these are all seedlings and he doesn’t know the parents…. time will tell. We have tried to contact him several times, without any result so far. If we get more details about Michael Duff, we will certainly update this post.
His varieties:
- Nymphaea Albina 1997
- Nymphaea Angelique 1993
- Nymphaea Deva 1997
- Nymphaea Peace 1994
- Nymphaea Red Daniel 1998 This variety is said to be a gift from a friend and not his own hybrid, we hope one day Michael will tell us all about it.