Nelumbo nucifera – Lotus
A truly remarkable plant in many ways, the lotus is native to both northern Australia and many parts of Asia, well known as a sacred plant in India. It grows naturally in tropical and sub-tropical areas, in shallow water with full sun. A perennial growing from a rhizome, it bears spectacular large pink scented flowers in summer. The lotus plant holds its leaves above the water, rather than floating. Many parts of the plant are eaten and used medicinally, both in Asia and Australia.
Not tolerant of frost or drought, the lotus should be grown in a protected, sunny pond with plenty of organic matter.
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- Nelumbo nucifera – sacred lotus
| Family: | Nelumbonaceae |
| Scientific Name: | Nelumbo nucifera |
| Common Name: | Lotus |
| Plant Type: | Aquatic, Bulb or bulb-like |
| Height: | 0.6 ~ 1 metre |
| Width: | 1 ~ 1.5 metre |
| Flower Colour: | White, Pink |
| Flowering Time: | Summer |
| Ph Level: | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Type: | Loamy |
| Plant Environment: | Flower garden |
| Climate Zone: | Sub-tropical |
| Light: | Sunny |
| Planting Season: | Spring |
| Growth Habit: | Evergreen, Spreading |
| Lifespan: | Perennial |
| Soil Moisture: | Boggy poorly drained |
| Propagation Method: | Seed, Division |
| Frost Tolerance: | Not frost tolerant |
| Plant Usage: | Wow factor |
| Special Features: | Edible, Cut flower, Bog gardens, Decorative fruit, Fast growing |
| Attracts Wildlife: | Butterflies, Other insects |
The information provided on the Gardening With Angus website is provided for general educational purposes about a variety of Australian plants. We recommend you seek further advice from qualified professionals regarding your own individual circumstances. Further disclaimer information>>
WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW
Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW
Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland
Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.