Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Water Lotus)
Botanical Information
| Family | Nelumbonaceae |
| Genus | Nelumbo |
| Species | nucifera |
| Synonyms | Nelumbium speciosum |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Origin | Western Asia from Iran to China, Japan, and Austrailia. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Medicinal herb, where the seed, stems and leaves are edible. Plays a significant cultural role in many religions. The seed pods may be dried and used in flower arrangements. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 5 (root zone must not freeze) |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H6 (root zone must not freeze) |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | Up to 0.9 m |
| Spread | 1 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| Landscape | Ornamental feature on ponds and lakes or as a cutflower and food source. |
| Propagation | By seed. |
| Cultivation | Best grown in full sun to partial shade with rich, loamy soil in calm water margins. |
| Notable Specimens | Sukhothai, Thailand |
| Habitat | Ponds and wetlands. |
| Flower Description | Flowers have a sweet, fruity fragrance. |
| Colour Description | Flowers can be white, yellow, or pink. |
Photographs
Nelumbo nucifera, form.
Nelumbo nucifera, flower.