The large, fragment flowers of lotus plants are show stoppers. They are also one of the most desired plants for water gardens. The flowers are spectacular and come in shades of white, pink, and yellow. The center of the flower matures into an interesting pod full of seeds and when dried looks very interesting in flower arrangements. Though these lotus plants flowers only last a few days, lotuses are equally revered for their parasol-like foliage and dramatic, flat-topped seed pods.
The lotus plants favor a sunny, hot, humid summer without excessive rainfall. It is a tuber-forming plant; the tubers are harvested in the spring, if necessary. Lotus plants in adequately sized plant containers may not require harvest or maintenance for 3to 5 years or more.
The mystical lotus comes in a variety of colors, sizes and bloom styles. They range in height from 2 ft to 8 ft. Runners can grow from 20 to 60 feet a year. Lotus should always be contained unless you intend to allow them to consume the entire body of water. They can be grown successfully in or out of the water garden, but an adequate reservoir must be maintained.
Although they prefer full sun, lotus plants will tolerate some shade in hot climates. They are usually very easy to care for; here are a few tips to keep your lotus plants flower healthy for many years to come. Plant them in submerged tubs or plant containers. Lotus requires only a few inches of water on top of their roots. They are heavy feeders and like lots of plant fertilizer once they get going. Lotus plants do best with more fertilizer than other plants. Provide fertilizer at least every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain the color of the foliage and encourage flowering. Fertilizer should not be added in spring until the plant has several aerial leaves, or too many salts may accumulate in the soil.
The dormant tubers carry no roots, and until active runner growth establishes itself, the plant cannot consume nutrients. Push plant fertilizer deep into the soil to make it accessible to the roots.
If the pot has no hole in the bottom, the fertilizer does not get out into the pond and provoke an algal bloom. You just have to remember to water the lotus frequently to keep the required amount of water over the top of its roots. If you keep your lotus pots above the level of the pond water you will not have to worry about too much fertilizer being in your pond.
In cold climates, lotus plants grown in containers above ground should be wintered in an area protected from freezing, such as a garage or cold basement. A lotus will not come back if the tuber is allowed to freeze.
Planting a lotus is a little different from planting a water lily. Lotus flowers are usually large and very vigorous plants. They have horizontally growing tubers that will spread very quickly, so a shallow, wide pot is the best for lotus. If you use a closed container if will keep your fish from digging up your plant while still ensuring that the water level will be over the roots of the plant. Large lotus plants require large pots 3 to 4 feet in diameter. The dwarf varieties should be planted in bushel-size containers.
This large variety of lotus plants has stunning, immaculate, single white blooms that are wonderfully fragrant. It is a very tolerant and forgiving plant for the beginner.
Nelumbo nucifera ‘Alba Striata’
This large variety has single white flowers that appear to have been painted by hand, with varying shades of pink and red along the edges of the petals.
Nelumbo ‘Baby Doll’
Single white flowers sit on a dwarf plant. This variety is ideally suited to small garden ponds or container gardens.
Nelumbo ‘Charles Thomas’
Flower/Foliage Description: Single, 6-8", lavender-pink, fragrant.Plant Size: Dwarf to smallPlant Height: 3-4’Pond Size: Container to mediumU.S.D.A. Hardiness Zones: 4-10
Nelumbo ‘Chawan Basu’
Bright-pink edges fade to pure white on delicate single blossoms. This medium-sized lotus plant is suitable for large containers or medium ponds.
Nelumbo lutea
This single flowering species with delicate yellow flowers is native to North America. It can be finicky for the beginner to grow.
Nelumbo ‘Momo Botan’
One of the longest blooming hybrids, Momo Botan has double pink blooms that generally persist until heavy frost.
Nelumbo ‘Mrs. Perry D. Slocum’
A true changeable; double flowers emerge a brilliant pink. By the second day, they are a delicate mix of pink and yellow. On the third day, flowers are primarily yellow. It is quite common to have all three stages on display at the same time, making this a popular hybrid.
Nelumbo nucifera
The petals of this single flowering species are a soft cream toward the center, with bright pink tips. It is an excellent and sturdy species for the novice lotus grower.
Nelumbo ‘Pink and Yellow’
Single pink blooms soften to yellow by the third day. It is an excellent bloomer. The small to medium stature makes it suitable for a variety of situations.
Nelumbo ‘Red Scarf’
The dark-pink, reddish single flowers sit above medium-sized foliage. The petals are particularly narrow next to the pod, which gives these blossoms a unique look.
Nelumbo ‘Rosy Clouds’
Deep pink, almost red single blossoms adorn this medium-sized plant, which is an excellent performer.
Nelumbo ‘Sweetheart’
This variety of small or dwarf lotus plants. Flower/Foliage Description: Double, 4-6", white, greenish near centers. It has a high petal count; leaves might hide first blooms. It only grows to be 2-3 inches in height. It does best in the Hardiness Zones of 4-10
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