We’ve been enjoying the lotus here at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. These showy blooms make their appearance in late June and early July, so we’re right at the end of their season. Here’s some more info on these gorgeous plants:

COMMON NAME: Lotus
BOTANICAL NAME: Nelumbo
HISTORY/TRIVIA: Since ancient times the lotus has been revered and celebrated by cultures around the world, perhaps most significantly by the Egyptians. This Old World lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is also important to Buddhists and Hindus, and is part of the Asian diet. Many people are surprised to learn there is also a native American yellow lotus—Nelumbo lutea – the only lotus native to the U.S.
GROWTH HABIT/FORM: Lotus are aquatic perennial plants that grow from thick rhizomes.
FOLIAGE: The tuber first sends up small, round, flat leaves, these are followed by larger wavy leaves up to 2 feet in width and 3 feet in height.
FLOWERS: (Depending on the cultivar) red, pink or pale yellow flowers; up to 12 inches in diameter. Flowers typically open in early morning and close by mid-afternoon. Flowers last between 2 – 5 days.
FRUIT: The distinctive seed pods have small holes and contain round, long-lasting seeds.
EXPOSURE: Sunny location.
CULTURE: They are usually propagated by rhizome division. Plant rhizomes in early spring when water temperatures are in the 50s (degrees Fahrenheit). Plant in shallow water or directly in a container.
HARDY/HEAT ZONES: Zones 4 - 11
RELTED SPECIES/VARIETIES: The American yellow lotus Nelumbo lutea and the sacred lotus of the Nile Nelumbo nucifera. A popular lotus cultivar now is ‘Mrs. Perry D. Slocum,’ which is a cross between Nelumbo lutea and Old World cultivar ‘Roseum Plenum.’
USES/TIPS: Lotus require regular fertilization.  This can be done using pond tablets. Make sure lotus are in a place that won’t freeze or store in a pot in a cool, dark location where it can be kept moist.
PROBLEMS: When grown in home gardens, lotus will take over a pond. Plant in containers to control growth (make sure containers don’t have holes!).

Beth Monroe is public relations and marketing director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

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