The Elegant Beauty of the Sensational Lotus Flower
One of my favorite pond plants is the lotus flower, a perennial plant that belongs to the genus Nelumbo. There are just two species of this regal beauty: the yellow-flowered American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), and the pink Asiatic lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) found in Asia, eastern Europe, and Australia.
The flowers of the Nelumbo lotus are perhaps its most captivating feature. Blooming in shades of pink, white, or yellow, they exude a subtle yet enchanting fragrance. Each flower opens in the morning and closes at night, with the blooms period lasting several days. Some varieties of lotus have impressive flowers that are 13 inches in diameter! At the heart of the flower lies the central receptacle, which later develops into a distinctive seed pod. These seed pods are often used in floral arrangements, adding an artistic touch to bouquets.

The lotus leaves are equally impressive. The leaves are uniquely adapted to repel water, thanks to their waxy coating, a phenomenon known as the “lotus effect.” This self-cleaning mechanism keeps the leaves pristine looking. Since the leaves are concave, it’s not unusual to find small pools of water in the center of them.


One of the most fascinating aspects of the lotus flower is its ability to thrive in muddy, nutrient-rich waters. You might find them growing in retention areas or places where you wouldn’t expect to see them. Despite these challenging conditions, the plant produces flowers of exceptional beauty, often seen as a metaphor for resilience and spiritual enlightenment. In many cultures, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes purity, rebirth, and divine beauty. In ancient texts, deities are often depicted seated on lotus flowers, further emphasizing its sacred status.

The lotus has a distinctive lifecycle that adds to its mystique. The plant begins its journey as a small seed, which can remain viable for centuries under favorable conditions. When submerged in water, the seed germinates, producing roots that anchor it to the muddy substrate. As it grows, the plant develops long, tubular stems and large leaves that rise above the water’s surface.
Here’s what the central receptacle of the lotus flower looks like as it develops into a seed pod.

Photo courtesy of Aquascape, Inc.
You’ve probably seen lotus seed pods in flower arrangements. The tiny seeds inside can be easily grown into a large, lovely lotus flower in a pond or even a water-tight container. I plan to grow at least one in a container this summer, although I’ll probably purchase a plant as opposed to growing it from speed so I can enjoy the blooms faster.

Beyond its aesthetic and symbolic significance, the lotus is also valued for its practical uses. Nearly every part of the plant is edible and holds nutritional and medicinal benefits. The seeds, often called lotus nuts, are rich in protein and can be consumed raw, roasted, or ground into flour.

The rhizomes, commonly known as lotus roots, are a staple in many Asian cuisines. Their crisp texture and mild flavor make them a versatile ingredient in soups, stir-fries, and salads. Additionally, the plant’s leaves are used as natural wrappers for steaming or serving food, imparting a subtle aroma to the dishes.

Lotus are fairly easy to grow but they require at least six hours of full sun per day to reach their full blooming potential. It’s also best to fertilize them with a pond plant fertilizer. When planting them in a backyard pond, it’s wise to first put them in an aquatic planter because lotus can easily spread and take over. Planting them in an pond planter keeps deters them from spreading.

Lotus (nelumbo) are not the same as waterlilies (nymphaea), although both are stunning flowers. Lotus leaves rise several inches above the water level while a waterlily’s pads float on the surface of the water. The flowers are also different with the lotus being more bowl-shaped. Both the lotus flower and waterlily have been hybridized over the years to create numerous variations. It’s amazing to see what the growers are able to create.

I hope you find the lotus flower as captivating as I do. This summer I’ll take photos of planting one of these beauties in a container so you can see how easy they are to grow. I had one several years ago out by the sidewalk and people always stopped to ask me what it was. And bonus – since the plant is sitting in water there’s no need to constantly water it!
WOW, that is beauiful….I’m going to check if the Lotus flowers would survive here in Canada….I have 3 ponds in my front property, that would be a beautiful addition if that plant would exist here in our temperature….thanks for the info….Sheri, NB, Canada.