Nelumbo Sacred (tuber)

This is the queen of night-blooming plants and part of our collector group.  The first night the flowers are white opening quickly at dusk and remaining open for the night and most of the next day.  Just prior to opening the pineapple or butterscotch aroma fills the evening air and signals the opening flower.  By dusk the next day it is pink and 9-11 inches in diameter.  The pads are green with a pie crust edge and covered in spines except the top of the leaf.  It may reach 8 feet in diameter if planted in a very large container.  In a large pond it may spread up to 40 feet if heavily fertilized. Heavy fertilizer translates into about 2-3 cups of fertilizer or, as the 'old timers' said a sock full. It may also be maintained at smaller sizes by planting it in smaller containers.  We have one we limit to an 8 foot square pond. This plant is shipped bare root and requires the pond water to be 80-85 degrees to avoid shock. Gradually expose the plant to full sun to prevent burning of the leaves. After adapting to the pond it may be placed in full sun and water temperature of 75-90 degrees. This is a very fast growing annual and lasts one year. Sold Out, 2024.