Description
Nelumbo – Lotus –
There are 2 species of rhizomatous, marginal aquatic, deciduous perennial in this genus. They occur from Asia, Northern Australia, and Eastern North America, found at the shallow margins or on the muddy banks of pools. They are widely grown and naturalized in subtropic and tropical areas. The handsome, horizontally held, peltate, waxy bloomed, almost circular leaves are held well above the water. The showy, solitary, fragrant, waterlily like flowers are held on long stalks above water level, and develop distinctive, flat-topped seed pods that may be dried for use in flower arrangements. They are excellent as specimen plants in an outdoor pool.
In an outdoor pool, grow in large containers in heavy loam enriched with well rotted manure or soil mix, in full sun. Lotuses require 80 degree Fahrenheit to bloom. Fertilize twice monthly during rapid growth with commercial aquatic plant fertilizer tablets. As growth proceeds, gradually lower the containers to increase the water depth to 16-24″, or 6-9″ for smaller cultivars, they will grow satisfactorily with as little as 2-4″ of water over the surface of the containers. Remove fading foliage. In very cold areas, reduce the water level gradually in autumn, remove the containers, and overwinter in frost free conditions, keeping the rhizome just moist. Alternatively, lower the container to the bottom of the pool, below the ice line.
Prone to leaf spots, caterpillars, spider mites, and whiteflies.
N. nucifera ‘Rosea Plena’ – Sacred Lotus – Indian Lotus – This vigorous, aquatic perennial grows 4-5′ feet above water level with an indefinite spread. It produces flat or concave-circular, wavy edged, glaucous, pale green leaves, 32″ across. In summer it bears peony-like, double, dark rose-pink flowers, which are yellow towards the bases, to 10-14″ across.
Zones 4-11
