Lotus

An aquatic perennial with thick, branching rhizomes in mud. Leaves are peltate (stalk attached in the center), round, 30–100 cm (1–3 ft) across, bluish-green, waxy and superhydrophobic (lotus effect). Two types: floating leaves lie on the surface; emergent leaves are held 0.5–2 m above water on stout petioles. Flower stems rise above leaves, bearing solitary, showy blooms 15–35 cm (6–14 in) wide with 12–30 tepals (cultivars up to thousands). Colors: pink, rose, white, red, yellow (hybrids). Center has a prominent golden receptacle with many stamens. Blooms open in the morning, close at night, each lasts ∼3 days; peak in summer. Fruit is a distinctive conical receptacle with embedded nut-like seeds (edible). Seeds can remain viable for centuries.

Quick care: full sun (≥6–8 hrs). Plant in heavy loam/clay soil (no light potting mix) in a large, wide container without drainage holes; place container in a pond or tub with calm water 15–60 cm (6–24 in) deep over soil (start shallower, increase depth as leaves grow). Water temperature ideally 24–30 °C (75–86 °F); hardy USDA 4–10 if rhizomes are below freeze line (or overwinter indoors in frost-free water). Feed during growing season once leaves are standing: slow-release aquatic fertilizer tabs every 3–4 weeks; stop in fall. Prune spent leaves/flowers. Divide rhizomes in early spring. Few pests: aphids on buds, leaf beetles; occasional rot if water stagnates. Great for large ponds, water gardens, containers (miniature cultivars exist).