Lotus Plants

Lotus flowers and plants, or sacred lotus for garden ponds. Nelumbo nucifera is native to tropical areas of Australia and Asia is known as lotus or sacred lotus and carries its flowers on long stalks above the water. Nelumbo lutea is the American lotus.

Nelumbo nucifera is the national flower of both India and Vietnam. Lotus plants are available for sale online from specialist nurseries and can be grown in ponds or containers if required.

Growing Lotus Plants

Nelumbo or Lotus plants are similar in many ways water lilies however Lotus plants or Nelumbo species differ from water lilies in that they hold the flowers well above the foliage and have a unique and recognisable central seed pod. Fast growing and rather delicate, they are best purchased during dormancy when small, or as larger specimens when in full growth and handled with care.The lotus likes to get its roots into the mud at the bottom of a pond so is best planted this way. Cold running water is generally not suitable.

Lotus varieties, species and cultivars

Flower colours range from white through to yellow and pink, with the classic single white lotus being just one of the many planes and cultivars available.

Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus) is the botanical name for the lotus plant that is native to Asia, Australia and also India where the lotus roots (rhizomes) are eaten. The lotus is an excellent pond plant. Nelumbo lutea is the yellow lotus from North America, widely used in hybridisation.