Charlies Choice - Changeable Hardy Lily
Best hardy waterlily for small pond and container garden enthusiasts.
The Charlies Choice Hardy Lily is a charming perennial waterlily well-suited for smaller ponds and tub gardens. This variety produces beautiful blooms ranging from 4 to 6 inches across, displaying a color shift from reddish pink to reddish peach as the petals mature over a few days. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring water depths between 6 and 24 inches. As a hardy variety, it is suitable for zones 3 through 11. For best results, plant this bare-root specimen in a large container using heavy loam soil and ensure it receives adequate fertilization during its active growing season.
$28.50
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
409
/ 957
#409 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+54%
Above average
Minimum Purchase Quantity
3
/ per variety
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a visually evolving pond aesthetic
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance perennial blooms
- Pond owners looking to naturally manage algae and shade
Who should skip it
- People with shallow water features or small containers
- Owners of shaded or woodland garden ponds
- Gardeners preferring a hands-off, set-and-forget plant
Performance breakdown
Climate Versatility
Exceptional hardiness range thrives across almost every North American growing zone.
Visual Appeal
Dynamic color-shifting petals offer a captivating display throughout the blooming cycle.
Space Efficiency
Perfectly scaled for compact water features and smaller container garden setups.
Establishment Ease
Bare-root shipping requires immediate attention to ensure successful initial root development.
Maintenance Demand
Consistent fertilization and specific soil requirements are essential for peak performance.
Growth Potential
Robust spread provides significant coverage for medium-sized ponds and water gardens.
Key Specs
Minimum Purchase Quantity
3 per variety
Bloom Size
4"-6"
Hardiness Zone
Z3-Z11
Water Depth Requirement
6" to 24"
Mature Spread
5'-8' (approx. 152.4 cm to 243.84 cm)
Packaging
Bare Root
MFG ID
1562
Features
- Unique changeable bloom color from reddish pink to reddish peach
- Suitable for smaller ponds and tub gardens
- Hardy perennial suitable for a wide range of climates (Z3-Z11)
- Requires full sun for best performance
- Sold as bare root for immediate planting
- Requires immediate care upon arrival to prevent drying
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Charlies Choice Hardy Lily for its exceptional aesthetic appeal, noting the vibrant colors and realistic texture that elevate any water feature. The primary theme is quality, specifically the product's impressive durability and longevity in various outdoor conditions. Buyers appreciate that the lily maintains its shape and color without fading, offering a low maintenance solution. The changeable feature is often highlighted as a clever design element, adding versatility and strong value to the purchase.
Know before you buy
The blooms undergo a natural color transition as they mature. Over the course of a few days, the petals shift from an initial reddish-pink hue to a softer reddish-peach.
Yes, this variety is specifically well-suited for smaller ponds and tub gardens. Just ensure your container allows for a water depth of 6 to 24 inches to accommodate the plant's growth.
It is critical to plant the bare root immediately upon arrival to prevent the roots from drying out. Use a large container filled with heavy loam soil to provide the necessary nutrients and stability.
As a hardy perennial, Charlies Choice is rated for zones 3 through 11. This means it is capable of surviving in a wide range of climates, including regions with harsh winters.
You should plan for a mature spread of approximately 5 to 8 feet. Be sure to place it in an area of your pond or garden that can accommodate this footprint.
While it can tolerate partial shade, this lily performs best in full sun. Providing ample sunlight is the most effective way to ensure consistent, healthy blooms throughout the growing season.
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$28