About
A large, rhizomatous aquatic perennial with long-stalked, rounded green leaves to 80cm wide, and eye-catching, scented water lily-like lemon to primrose-yellow flowers, borne on long stalks well above water level in summer.
About the genus
Nelumbo are rhizomatous perennials growing in pond margins or in shallow water, with large rounded leaves attached to the stalk in the centre, and solitary cupped fragrant flowers held well above the water, followed by characteristic conical fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitSubmerged
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationIn an outdoor pool grow in a large container in heavy loam enriched with well-rotted farmyard manure or compost, in full sun. As growth proceeds, gradually lower the containers to increase the water depth to 40-60cm (16-24in), or 15-22cm (6-9in) for smaller cultivars. Remove fading foliage. In cold areas, reduce the water level gradually in autumn, remove the container and overwinter in frost-free conditions, keeping the rhizomes just moist. Under glass, grow in large containers in an indoor pool in full light. See pond plants for further advice
PruningCut away fading foliage
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, preferably scarified before sowing, at a minumum temperature of 25°C (77°F) in small containers of loam covered by 5cm (2in) of water. Increase water depth and container size until plants are large enough to plant in the flowering site. Propagate by division of the fragile rhizomes, which resent disturbance. In spring, plant rootstock horizontally just below the soil surface, and barely submerge until growth starts
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free