About
Nelumbo nucifera, the sacred lotus, is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial with long-stalked, rounded, glaucous-green leaves to 80 cm wide that repel water. From mid- to late summer, large, fragrant, pink or white flowers to 30 cm wide are held well above the water level, followed by characteristic, flat-topped, conical seedpods. One of the most sacred and spectacular of all aquatic plants.
About the genus
Nelumbo, the lotuses, are rhizomatous aquatic perennials with large, rounded, water-repellent leaves and solitary, fragrant, cup-shaped flowers held well above the water, followed by distinctive conical seedpods. Grown in ponds and deep containers of water.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toBrazil
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass, or as a houseplant, in peat-free potting compost in bright, filtered light, watering with soft water
PruningNo pruning required but remove shoot tips from young plants to encourage branching
PropagationPropagate by softwood (stem-tip) cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, particularly on young growth
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free