Nelumbo Species, Bean of India, Egyptian Bean, Indian Lotus, Sacred Lotus, Sacred Water Lily

Nelumbonucifera

Genus
Nelumbo (nee-LUM-bo)
Species
nucifera (noo-SIFF-er-uh)
Synonym
Nelumbium nelumbo
Nelumbo speciosa
Nelumbium speciosum
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Succulent
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Pink
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Ponds and Aquatics
Water Requirements
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Scarify seed before sowing
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Union Grove, Alabama

Vincent, Alabama

Panama City Beach, Florida

Osage City, Kansas

New Orleans, Louisiana

Silver Spring, Maryland

Carriere, Mississippi

Piscataway, New Jersey

Brooklyn, New York

Apex, North Carolina

Beaufort, North Carolina

Dudley, North Carolina

Fuquay Varina, North Carolina

Kernersville, North Carolina

Oxford, North Carolina

Cleveland, Ohio

Sandusky, Ohio

Hulbert, Oklahoma

Central, South Carolina

Memphis, Tennessee

Santa Fe, Texas

Spicewood, Texas

Appomattox, Virginia

Clifton Forge, Virginia

Seattle, Washington

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

7
positives
5
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
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A
A
San Diego, CA | November 2016 | positive

My spouse and I have seen this plant at Lotusland in Santa Barbara and have occasionally seen it in bloom in the pond in front of the Bot...Read More

L
Central, AL (Zone 7b) | June 2015 | positive

I'm amazed at this plant's hardiness. Zone 4? It must withstand extreme freezing condition. In my modest zone 7b. The plant can be le...Read More

E
E
Fuquay Varina, NC | May 2015 | positive

I have had a lot of success growing Nelumbo 'Mono Botan' What I want to know since it will soon be ready to divide is will they be eaten ...Read More

C
ROSLINDALE, MA | December 2014 | neutral

An extravagantly beautiful plant, both in its flowers and its immense blue-green leaves. Its pristine beauty emerging from the mud is a s...Read More

S
Las Vegas, NV (Zone 9a) | December 2014 | neutral

Can I grow this under a grow bulb indoors? In a glass container?

M
New Smyrna Beach, FL | October 2011 | neutral

I'm not familiar with this plant but wanted to know if it is invasive in ponds?

E
(Zone 10a) | July 2008 | positive

These tropical "monsters" love our very hot summer (avg. temp. 80F).
Just one month after sowing they grew the first aerial leaves...Read More

K
| November 2007 | positive

This plant is extremely easy to grow from seed in tropical areas. The seed can sprout in about 3 to 4 days when kept in warm water, and i...Read More

K
K
San Leandro, CA (Zone 9b) | October 2006 | neutral

The day blooming flowers grow from 9 to 12 inches across and last for 3 days, closing every night preferably on a beetle inside whom is b...Read More

P
Appomattox, VA | July 2004 | positive

This lotus is very easy to grow, almost too easy! If you plant it in an earthen pond it may take over and start colonizing the banks. H...Read More

W
Spicewood, TX (Zone 8b) | June 2004 | positive

These plants LOVE THE HEAT!!! About two months ago, I started twenty seeds from dried pods from the dried flower section of a craft stor...Read More

S
Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) | May 2004 | neutral

Origin: Australia - Aquatic plant which holds its large (around 1') velvety green leaves about 3 or more feet above the water. Goes dorm...Read More

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