Nelumbo nucifera aka East Indian Lotus

Nelumbo nucifera, or sacred lotus, belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family. This aquatic perennial grows from thick rhizomes in pond mud. Its native range spans Ukraine, northern Iran, and much of Asia. It also reaches northern and northeastern Australia. The flowers hold sacred meaning in Buddhism and Hinduism. People grow this plant for food and pond display.

Garden plants often stand 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] tall. They spread about 3–4 feet [0.9–1.2 metres] across. Florida accounts give heights and spreads reaching 8 feet [2.4 metres]. Round green leaves float or rise above the water. Their waxy blades span 1.5–3 feet [0.46–0.91 metres]. The edges ripple, and the blades curve upward. Each leaf stalk joins the centre of its underside. Leaves and flower stalks grow straight from the root system. The plant loses its leaves for winter.

Pink or white flowers rise above the leaves on firm stalks. Their scented cups span 0.67–1 foot [0.2–0.3 metres]. Blooms appear in June and July and last about three days. They open each morning and close again at night. Insects, including beetles, pollinate the flowers. Nut-like fruits sit in holes across a flat-topped seed head. This head narrows below its broad top. It turns brown and woody as it dries. Florists use the dried heads in arrangements.

Lotus needs full sun and rich loam beneath calm water. A sheltered pond edge protects it from wind and waves. Large pots help keep its spreading rhizomes within bounds. Crowns can sit beneath 2 feet [0.6 metres] of water. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 4–10, provided the roots never freeze. The RHS rates it H1C under UK conditions. In cold areas, gardeners can move pots indoors for winter. Keep the rhizomes moist and free from frost. Remove leaves as they fade, and handle fragile rhizomes with care.

Flowers, leaves, and seed heads give ponds a strong focal point. Yet lotus can overrun shallow ponds and become hard to remove. Some Midwestern states class it as a noxious weed. Wisconsin prohibits planting it. Serious pest and disease trouble is uncommon. Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and blights can still occur. People eat the rhizomes, leaves, seeds, stems, and flowers. Cooked rhizomes have a mild taste and crisp texture. Leaves also serve as food wraps or plates. The plant has a long history of medicinal use. PFAF lists no known hazards; this does not prove universal safety.