The Name of My Favorite Plant
Lotus flowers (Nelumbo sp.).
How I First Found Out About This Plant
I was very lucky: The previous homeowner had planted lotus flowers before I ever came here. I had heard of the lotus flower before, but it was sort of a mystery to me.
How I Have Cared for This Plant
Our lotus flowers grow in a small pond. They take some "muck" to grow in, so there isn't much to it, except to keep the pond filled. For detailed planting and growing instructions, I found this site: http://www.pondplants.com/planting_lotus.html.
Pests, Diseases or Other Problems for This Plant
Very luckily, lotus flowers don't seem to be bothered by any!
Why I Love This Plant So Much
Oh, my goodness, where do I start? It is such a thrill to see the leaves beginning to emerge in the spring. They grow so big, so quickly! And they repel water: I often spray them with the hose, just to watch how the little droplets bounce around and run off. And then, there is the lotus flower blossom: They are so very magnificent! You get these gorgeous, pink and white blooms -- with virtually no effort. They are thrilling to me!
Location: My Region, Location of the Plant in My Yard
I live in zone 7; we have wild weather here. In the summer, the humidity is very high: Many plants suffer powdery mildew. Our lotus flowers are in a small pond in our front yard. They receive part sun / part shade, being located next to some blackjack oaks.
Tips and Tricks
- Allow some soil and muck in the bottom of the pond -- you don't want to keep the pond pristine!
- Keep the pond filled.
- Plant some smaller companions in the pond: water lettuce, parrot's feather, etc. that won't compete with the stately lotus flowers, but will fill in the surface of the water.
