Family: Nymphaeaceae
Common Name: American Lotus

The two species of these large, herbaceous, aquatic plants are among the most spectacular of all water plants, with their very large, almost circular leaves and beautiful, fragrant, showy flowers which emerge from the water in summer. They are ideal for large ponds but in frost-prone climates, the frost-tender N. nucifera needs a warm greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

N. lutea, golden lotus, is from North America, where it was formerly cultivated as an edible crop by the native Americans. The leaves are 30-60 cm (12-24 in) in diameter and the fragrant, pale yellow flowers are 25 cm (10 in) across.

N. nucitera, sacred lotus, with origins in India, China and Tibet, is sacred to several religious groups, including the Buddhists and Hindus. The leaves grow to almost 1 m (3 ft) in diameter and the pink flowers are beautifully fragrant. Cultivated in Asia for its edible roots and seeds, it is known to have been widely grown by the Egyptians after its introduction about 500 BC. There, the seeds were ground to make flour. A number of named cultivars hear pink, red and white flowers, both singles and doubles.

Cultivation

Lotus plants grow vigorously, so should not be overplanted. If growth becomes congested, the plants should be divided. lotus can be grown from rhizomes planted in early spring in a large pond with a layer of soil on the bottom. They can also be grown from seed which may germinate better if scarified. Roll the seeds in a ball of clay and drop them into the pond, a practice adopted in ancient Egypt.

Climate

Subtropics to tropics, although N. /urea can be grown in zone 6.