Plant Features:
Semi-dwarf variety.
Height:
24-30""
Flower / Blooming Time:
White blooms delicately edged with pink. Lotus plants bloom in the summer and require 3-4 weeks of temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius.
Leaf:
Blue-green.
Sunlight:
6 hours minimum for bloom.
Container Size:
27 litre (3/4 bushel) container or larger. Use heavy clay topsoil. Cover with gravel. Do not cover the crown.
Hardy to Zone:
5
Fertilizer:
Monthly as directed below. April to August.
Planting Depth:
Grow at 3-10"" below surface.
About Lotus
Lotus produces round aerial leaves that stand 1.5' to 4′ above the water. The exotic fragrant blossoms produce the unique seed pod seen in many flower arrangements.
Lotus require many weeks of sunny warm weather, large containers and rich soil in order to bloom well. Sometimes they produce only aerial leaves in their first year. They will spread rapidly in natural ponds if planted deep enough to protect the rhizome from freezing.
Planting and Positioning Your Lotus
Push 6 to 8 fertilizer tablets per 27 litre tub into the soil around the rhizome and cover any holes with soil. Gently tamp down soil. Add thin layer of pea gravel, making sure there is no gravel on the growing tips, as they will have a hard time growing up through the gravel. The gravel will keep the soil from being stirred up and discolouring the water. Soak the soil with pond water before placing the containers in the pond to prevent muddying the pond water. In the spring, lotus tubs should be placed so 1″ to 2″ of water is above the top of the tub. Blocks may be needed to raise the tubs up in deeper areas. This allows for more sunlight and heat to stimulate growth. As growth becomes established with aerial leaves, water depth may be increased to 6″ or 8″ of water above the top of the tub. Similar to lilies, lotus should not be placed close to waterfalls or fountains where they will be splashed. Lotus are heavy feeders and should be fertilized once a month with 4 to 6 fertilizer tablets from April to August, for maximum growth and bloom.
Over Wintering Hardy Water Lilies and Lotus
Hardy water lilies and lotus will overwinter if their roots do not freeze solid. Foliage will die back mid to late fall but roots will remain alive. Steps to overwinter lilies should be taken at this time. DO NOT COVER the pond or bring plants inside until late fall when dormancy has begun.
Methods:
A. Move containers to the deepest area of the pond. Remove dead leaves on lilies but not on lotus. It is recommended that your pond be at least 2 1/2′ to 3′ deep in one area if this method is chosen. Colder zones in Canada should increase this depth. You may cover pond with boards or framed plastic to provide extra insulation. Do not make airtight. Return containers to original positions in spring.
OR
B. Use this method if your pond is shallow and will likely freeze solid. Remove the old leaves from the lily and bring planted containers indoors to cold storage, approximately 5°C, for the winter. Keep containers moist and dark at all times. More lilies are lost from drying out than from freezing. Return plants to the pond after the ice has melted the following spring.
PLEASE NOTE:
NORTHERN SECTIONS OF CANADA SHOULD BRING PLANTS INDOORS OR USE A POND HEATER AS A PRECAUTION.
PLANT IS NURSERY STOCK.
PLANT MAY NOT APPEAR AS PICTURED.
REMOVE ANY BROKEN FOLIAGE AFTER SHIPPING.
PLANT WILL QUICKLY ESTABLISH.
