Overview
Lotus jacobaeus is a submerged shrubs in the genus Lotus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lotus jacobaeus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include pond margins and shallow water.
About
Lotus jacobaeus, commonly known as St James's flower or black-flower'd lotus, is a submerged deciduous plant from the Fabaceae family. As a member of the Lotus genus, it features pea-like flowers and thrives in full sun with a south- or west-facing aspect. It prefers sheltered locations with loam soil that is neutral in pH and poorly drained, making it suitable for pond margins or shallow water. Hardy to H1c in the UK, it is best planted out after the last frost in fertile, well-drained soil and can be propagated by seed or division of rhizomes. It is particularly notable in winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lotus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Lotus jacobaeus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Submerged
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Pond margins, shallow water
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lotus jacobaeus
- Propagation
- Seed, division of rhizomes
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lotus jacobaeus?
Lotus jacobaeus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lotus jacobaeus need?
Lotus jacobaeus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
Is Lotus jacobaeus hardy in the UK?
Lotus jacobaeus has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Lotus jacobaeus?
Seed, division of rhizomes.
More in the Lotus genus
- Lotus angustissimusslender bird's foot trefoil
- Lotus arenarius
- Lotus hirsutus
- Lotus maculatuspico de Paloma
- Lotus spectabilis
- Lotus emeroides
- Lotus hirsutus Little Boy Blue ('Lisbob'PBR)hairy canary clover [Little Boy Blue]
- Lotus mascaensis