Aerogarden Free Trial






Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Water Lotus – Glorious Peony Of The Water Garden

The exquisite water lotus is a magnificent addition to any water garden and can be surprisingly low-maintenance. For instance, the American yellow lotus grows naturally in large ponds and lakes as far north as Ontario, and south as far as Texas and Florida.

Check Out Water Garden Products Right Now!

The water lotus has an impressive heritage, going all the way back to ancient Egypt where it was revered as the sacred lotus of the Nile.

The lotus thrives in warm weather and plenty of sunshine. Two or three months of temperatures consistently remaining between 75 and 85 degrees are needed to produce its huge leaves and gorgeous waxy flowers. Too little light and not enough heat will result in weakened stems, yellowing leaves and no blossoms.

The water lotus typically blooms from early July until late August, depending upon the climate zone. Its blossoms typically open in early morning and close by mid-afternoon.

The lotus is extremely aggressive and multiplies quickly in the late summer and fall. When grown in water gardens, water lotus plants will completely take over unless they are placed in containers. These containers must be large, as lotus plants need as much space as possible in order to flourish.

Lotus rhizomes should be planted in early spring, when water temperatures are in the 50’s and before the runners have developed. Plant the lotus rhizome in a round container of rich soil with 1/2 inch of rinsed gravel on top of the soil. The growing tip of the rhizome should be exposed 1/2 inch. Be sure to plant it very gently, taking care not to injure the growing tip. Damage to this fragile growing tip can result in the lotus’s failure to bloom. Submerge the container in your pond with two or three inches of water over it.

Check Out Water Garden Products Right Now!

Because they are such vigorous growers, lotus plants require regular fertilization. One fertilizer tablet per gallon of soil every two to three weeks is a good idea.

As the exquisite water lotus unfurls its giant leaves and produces breathtakingly gorgeous blossoms, this “peony of the water garden” is sure to be the crowning centerpiece of your water garden.

Check Out Water Garden Products Right Now!


Source:MacArthur Water Gardens