Evening Showers (Nelumbo nucifera) Lotus Tuber

Nelumbo nucifera

The simplicity and elegance of this small lotus are unmatched. The first day flower is luminous pink. The more mature flower has extra light yellow petals that are tipped in pink. The golden stamen with fat white tips curl elegantly around the receptacle. Sometimes the small center petals are light green. A very heavy bloomer, look for the first blooms in early spring. Flowers continue all summer. ‘Evening showers’ can be miniaturized by growing it in a small pot.

Flower Color:
Plant Height: Small, 18”-24”
Flower Type: Single or Few Petals, less than 20 petals
Pot Size: 12” and wider, 7”-14” deep

How do I fertilize lotus? When do I begin to fertilize lotus?

Wait until the lotus plant has several floating leaves or begins to put up aerial leaves before adding fertilizer. Choose a good fertilizer such as Pondtabbs and follow the instructions carefully. The amount of fertilizer to use is usually based on the size of the pot and the amount of soil in the pot. For example, most of the small tablets are added at a ratio of 1-2 tablets per gallon of soil in the pot. Once the lotus has started to grow vigorously tablets can be added every 3-4 weeks. Stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the lotus to use up all the fertilizer in the pot before going dormant. This encourages the lotus to form better tubers.