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Nelumbo nucifera
Sacred Lotus, Chinese Lotus, Indian Lotus, Nelumbium nelumbo
| One of these two bold aquatic plants, Nelumbo nucifera, is among the few flowers known to have been grown by ancient peoples. The existence of the other, a yellow flowering North American native, was not reported until after Columbus's time. Both hold their leaves and large single flowers well above the waterline. Excellent in large masses, they are easy to grow if planted in ponds and full sun. Rootstock grows 30 to 40 feet in a year. Rootstock or tubers must show some growth before planting in mud. Plants take a year to establish, provided roots or tubers do not freeze during winter. |
Of religious significance for Buddhists, its fragrant flowers are 4 to 6 inches wide. Its round leaves reach more than 2 feet wide. Tubers and seeds are used in Chinese cooking.
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Attributes - Nelumbo nucifera
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Season: Mid Spring through Late Summer
Flower Color: Pink
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Width: 4 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 8, 9, 10, 11
Notes: Fragrant.
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Related Plants
Nelumbo nucifera 'Charles Thomas', Nelumbo nucifera 'Maggie Bell Slocum', Nelumbo nucifera 'Queen'
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