How to Grow Wood's Red Star Water Lily
Wikimedia Commons
Wood's Red Star Water Lily
Nymphaea 'Wood's Red Star'
flowerWood's Red Star is a stunning tropical water lily cultivar prized for its deep red flowers and attractive foliage. This day-blooming water lily produces fragrant blooms and grows vigorously in warm water conditions. It's an excellent choice for ornamental pond gardens and water features.
When should you plant Wood's Red Star Water Lily in your zone?
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Example Wood's Red Star Water Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wood's Red Star 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 Wood's Red Star Water Lily blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wood's Red Star Water Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; tropical and warm subtropical regions; can be grown as an annual or in containers elsewhere
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Establishment
2-3 weeksNewly planted rhizome develops roots and initial leaf growth emerges from soil
Keep water warm and still; apply fertilizer tablets to soil; provide adequate light to encourage growth
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksPlant produces multiple leaves and pads floating on water surface; foliage may be bronze or green
Continue regular fertilization; ensure full sun exposure; maintain water temperature above 70°F
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksFlower buds develop among the floating pads, visible as small pointed structures emerging from leaf nodes
Maintain consistent water depth; continue fertilizing; avoid moving plants excessively; ensure undisturbed water
Flowering
4-6 months (repeatedly throughout warm season)Deep red blooms emerge above water surface during daylight hours; flowers open in morning and close in afternoon
Deadhead spent flowers by removing below the waterline; maintain ideal temperature and light; continue fertilizing for successive blooms
Dormancy/Wintering
Variable depending on climateIn cooler zones, plant may slow growth or dormancy; foliage may yellow and decline
Move containers to protected location or indoors; reduce watering; prepare for spring restart or overwinter indoors in tropical zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray forceful water stream to dislodge; use neem oil spray if severe; introduce beneficial insects
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Remove affected leaves; maintain good water quality; use aquatic insecticides labeled safe for ponds if needed
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Remove affected leaves manually; use pond-safe insecticidal soap; remove fallen leaves to reduce habitat
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Ensure good water circulation and drainage; remove infected portions; prevent water stagnation; apply fungicide safe for aquatic use
Uses
Ornamental Culinary Garnish
CulinaryWater lily flowers are edible and make stunning garnishes for high-end culinary presentations and beverages. The petals have a delicate flavor and beautiful color. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdWood's Red Star blooms are prized for fresh and decorative flower arrangements, providing striking red color to floral displays. Flowers can last 2-3 days in a vase when harvested in morning. [source]
Pressed Flowers and Botanical Art
CraftThe vibrant red petals can be pressed and dried for botanical art projects, scrapbooking, and decorative crafts. The deep color is retained well during the pressing process. [source]
Pollinator and Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeWater lilies attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden while providing shelter and breeding habitat for aquatic insects and small fish. Day-blooming varieties like this attract daytime pollinators. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalWater lily flowers and leaves have been used in traditional medicine systems for their mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. Modern herbalists use dried lily flowers in tea blends. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowers are harvested for display by cutting stems at base underwater with a sharp knife; blooms open in morning and last 2-3 days; harvest early morning for longest vase life; deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms throughout the season
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wood's Red Star is a tropical cultivar developed for its extraordinary deep red coloration and vigorous growth, often producing multiple flower buds simultaneously during peak season
- 🌱 Unlike hardy water lilies, tropical water lilies like this cultivar are day-bloomers, opening in morning sunlight and closing by afternoon, making them ideal for observing during daytime activities
- 🌱 The fragrance of water lily flowers is most potent in morning hours and serves to attract pollinators; some varieties have a sweet vanilla-like scent
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