How to Grow Charlene Strawn Water Lily
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Charlene Strawn Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Charlene Strawn'
flowerCharlene Strawn is a stunning hardy water lily cultivar known for its fragrant, pale yellow flowers with apricot undertones that bloom in summer. This day-blooming aquatic perennial produces floating lily pads and thrives in ponds and water gardens. It is a vigorous grower suitable for medium to large water features.
When should you plant Charlene Strawn Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Charlene Strawn Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Charlene Strawn Water Lily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Charlene Strawn Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Charlene Strawn Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; winter hardy in cold climates
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Dormancy (Winter)
3-5 monthsPlant retreats underground as rhizome/tuber in cold climates; foliage dies back after first frost
Leave plant undisturbed in pond; ensure water doesn't freeze completely or move to sheltered location in extreme climates; no feeding needed
Emergence (Spring)
3-4 weeksNew shoots and rolled leaves emerge from rhizome as water warms to 50-60°F; first pads unfurl and float toward surface
Begin fertilizing with aquatic fertilizer tablets when growth appears; maintain consistent water depth and temperature stability
Vegetative Growth (Late Spring to Early Summer)
4-6 weeksLily pads rapidly expand and cover water surface; root system develops; plant establishes vigor with multiple crown shoots
Apply fertilizer tablets every 2-3 weeks; thin overcrowded pads to prevent shading; maintain water level and quality
Flowering (Summer)
8-12 weeksFragrant pale yellow flowers with apricot-blush petals bloom above water surface; flowers open in morning and close by afternoon; blooming extends 3-4 months
Continue fertilizing to support continuous blooming; remove spent flowers; deadhead to encourage new buds; maintain water quality
Decline (Fall)
4-6 weeksBlooming slows as temperatures drop; foliage begins yellowing; plant redirects energy to rhizome storage for winter dormancy
Reduce fertilizing as bloom production decreases; remove dead foliage to maintain water quality; prepare for dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; spray affected foliage with water; use neem oil on exposed leaves above water line; introduce natural predators like dragonflies
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Strong spray of water from hose; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; neem oil application on aerial parts; avoid pesticides that harm aquatic life
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Remove affected leaves promptly; maintain fish population in pond (fish eat larvae); ensure good water circulation; remove debris
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and
Ensure excellent water quality and circulation; avoid overcrowding; remove dead foliage promptly; maintain proper fertilization to strengthen plant health
Uses
Edible flowers and seeds
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, water lily flowers are edible with a slightly sweet, cucumber-like flavor and are used as garnish in gourmet cuisine. Seeds can be roasted and eaten or used in traditional Asian dishes. [source]
Pond and water garden decoration
HouseholdThe primary use of Charlene Strawn is as an ornamental centerpiece in ponds, water gardens, and water features. The fragrant pale yellow-apricot flowers and attractive floating foliage create visual and sensory appeal. [source]
Traditional herbal medicine
MedicinalWater lily has been used in traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for calming properties and skin health. Modern herbalists explore potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. [source]
Pollinator and aquatic habitat
WildlifeFragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the water garden. Floating pads provide habitat and shade for aquatic animals including frogs, fish, and beneficial insects. [source]
Floral arrangements and pressed flowers
CraftThe distinctive pale yellow flowers are prized for fresh floral arrangements and can be pressed or dried for craft projects, botanical art, and decorative applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Water lilies are ornamental and not harvested in traditional sense. Deadhead spent flowers by pinching stems below water surface to promote continuous blooming. Divide rhizomes every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate plants and propagate. Collect seed pods if desired for propagation, allowed to ripen and sink naturally.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Charlene Strawn is a day-blooming water lily, meaning flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon—unlike tropical night-blooming varieties that open at dusk. This makes it easier to enjoy the blooms during typical daytime hours.
- 🌱 Water lilies are ancient plants that have captivated humans for millennia; they were sacred in ancient Egypt and revered in Asian cultures. Claude Monet's famous water lily paintings featured these very plants and helped immortalize them in art history.
- 🌱 Hardy water lilies like Charlene Strawn can live and bloom for 5-10 years or more with proper care, making them excellent long-term investments in garden design. Some water lily specimens in public gardens have thrived for over 50 years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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