Nelumbo

( neh - LUM - boh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes aquatic plants commonly called Lotus, though this nickname applies to many other species as well. They are often grown in backyard water gardens, producing leaves and flowers that emerge above the water's surface. They grow rapidly to between 3 and 6 feet tall, and spread through rhizome roots in muddy soils. Flowers are typically white, pink, or yellow and bloom in summer and fall. Grow these flowers in backyard ponds or water features, or in water-filled containers on patios.

Nelumbo Species and Varietals

The genus Nelumbo is the type genus member of the plant family Nelumbonaceae, and includes just two species. Plants in this species are related to those in Banksia, Grevillea, Protea, and Platanus. The best growing zones for Nelumbo plants vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Nelumbo lutea (American Lotus, Yellow Lotus, Water-Chinquapin, Volée, Yonkapin, Macoupin)
This species is native to North America, where it grows naturally in lakes and swamps, as well as areas that are subject to frequent flooding. Roots anchor in mud, and the leaves and flowers emerge above the surface. Pale yellow to white flowers emerge in springtime and continue into summer. Individual plants reach up to 1-6 feet tall. Best in USDA growing zones 4-11. This species is considered invasive in waterways in New England, Rhode Island, California and New York.

Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Padma, Chinese Arrowroot, Egyptian Sacred Bean, Water Bean, Eastern Lotus, East Indian Lotus)
This species of Lotus produces pink and white flowers, and has a wide native range that spans across much of Asia. It is commonly cultivated as a garden ornamental, and for its edible plant parts, including seeds and roots. Individual plants reach 3-6 feet tall with leaves that spread out to 3-4 feet in diameter. These plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10. This species is considered invasive in the northeastern and midwestern United States.

Nelumbo spp. Hybrids (Nelumbo lutea x Nelumbo nucifera) (Hybrid Lotus)
This group of Lotus plants are the result of hybridization between the two species in the genus. These plants produce varying shades of pink to yellow blooms, including some with double flowers. These hybrid plants are best in USDA zones 4-11. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Carolina Queen'
To 48" or more, with pink flowers that range in hue.

'Dahe Xianzi'
Named for the location of a Lotus festival (Xianzi Lake, Ximin, China).

'Jiang Luopao'
With deep purple-red bowl-shaped flowers. New cultivar in 2019.

'Louise Slocum'
White-blooming variety with large, cupped flowers.

'Mrs. Perry D. Slocum'
Bred in 1964 with 9-12" blooms that emerge pink and fade to cream. Licorice-scented blooms.

'Kenny's Dream'
Single, cream-white flowers blushed with red-pink.

'Patricia Garrett'
Flowers held high above foliage are pink-yellow. To 48" tall or more.

'Perry's Giant Sunburst'
To 4-6 feet tall with large creamy-white flowers.

Caring for Nelumbo

Nelumbo, or Lotus, plants, are typically purchased as bare-roots or grown from seed. They should be planted in an in-ground water feature or container filled with water, and perform best when in circulated water. These aquatic plants perform best when they get at least 6 hours of sun each day; this exposure will produce the best flowers and beautiful dark green foliage. Soil should be rich and soft silty clay or loam. A mixture of pine bark and topsoil makes a great substrate. Soil should be kept wet at all times. Pruning is simple; remove any dead, damaged or diseased foliage at any times and remove spent flower heads to neaten the appearance. If you will be harvesting seeds for propagation later on, make sure to leave some seed heads on plants to develop and mature. If growing Nelumbo Lotus plants in small pots (either submerged or on a patio), they will need to be divided every few years. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Lotus plant, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Nelumbo
Nelumbo, or Lotus, plants are considered edimentals, having both ornamental and edible qualities. All parts of the Lotus plant are edible, including roots, shoots, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Rhizomes are typically harvested between August and the end of the fall season, after the plants have grown throughout the summer months. They are manually dug up from the mud, rinsed and cleared of all foliage and other attachments, and then stir-fried, boiled, or used in soups. Seeds are mature when the seed heads are dry, brown, and hardened. Seeds are easily removed from their housing, and then dried and roasted as a snack or used in desserts. Flowers and leaves are picked by hand from the water's surface during the active growing season in spring and summertime. Petals can be used as garnish, and both leaves and flowers can be used to make a tea.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Nelumbo, or Lotus, can be propagated by division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid. To propagate your Lotus, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Nelumbo by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a knife or sandpaper, a bowl, and a container with no drainage holes. You will also need loamy soil.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded and are large, round, and flat on top. Once they have dried out and turned brown, seeds can be harvested.
Nelumbo seeds need to be scarified to assist germination. To complete this process, grab a clean, sharp knife or some sandpaper, and nick or scratch a small section of the seed's hard outer coat, being careful not to damage the inner embryo. Then, place the seeds in a bowl filled with warm water and allow them to soak until they germinate, which will happen in a few days as long as the water stays around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Replace water at least daily, and ensure that it remains warm until germination occurs.
Once seedlings are a few weeks old and some growth has emerged from the seed, they can be transplanted into a small container filled with loamy soil and a few inches of water. Keep the water wet, and increase the water level as the plant gets taller so that the leafy green foliage is kept a few inches above the water surface.

Propagating Nelumbo by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel and Division is best done in early spring (before it has begun its new growth). To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the rhizome(s). Once you have worked it up out of the substrate, lay it out.
Divide the root into segments, each with an eye or growing point on it.
Prepare your container with loamy soil and add water until it has achieved a muddy consistency. Then, plant your divisions and add a 3-4 more inches of substrate on top.
Carefully fill the pot with water, and place it in a spot that is in a shallow area of water or close to the surface of a pond to encourage growth. If necessary, hold the pot under the water with a few rocks.

Lotus cone-like or spongy seed pods are round, held above the foliage. Each pod can hold between 10 to 30 seeds.

Nelumbo seeds are ovoid and encased in a hard, impenetrable brown seed coat.

Problems and Pests

Certain Nelumbo species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Nelumbo, or Lotus, plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases: