Lotus

General Information: Lotus have been enjoyed for thousands of years in gardens the world over. One of the most exquisite flowers imaginable, the lotus has inspired the cultures of many eastern people by significantly influencing their religious and daily life. Every garden should have a corner devoted to lotus. The leaves are large and held 2-5 feet above the water. The 10-14 inch blossoms rise above the leaves and are of interest the entire season. After the petals fall, the pod continues to grow, eventually turning brown. The pod, when removed, can be used as a dried flower.

Light: Lotus demand at least six (6) hours of direct sun. They begin to flower in the mid-Atlantic around the first of July.

Water and Soil: The lotus can be planted in a tub above the ground or in a pool. The pool is the best environment for the lotus. When lotus are planted above ground in tubs they must be protected in the winter. Plant the lotus in heavy soil. Submerge the lotus so there is only 6 inches of water over the tuber.

Comments: Lotus are hardy perennials with huge, fragrant flowers and interesting seed pods that are held upright out of the water. Lotus care is similar to that of hardy water lilies with only a few exceptions. Lotus should be planted upright so that their growing points protrude from the soil by ½ inch. Their crowns cannot be totally covered with soil. Lower lotus into your pool so that there is no more than 4-6 inches of water above the soil surface; they are marginal plants and will not grow well in deep water. Do, however, move lotus into the deepest part of your pool after frost to overwinter.