James H. Schutte
Family
Nymphaeaceae
Botanical Name
Nelumbo lutea
Plant Common Name
American Lotus, Yanquapin, Yellow Lotus
General Description
American lotus is a hardy aquatic plant that originates from the eastern and central United States. It is a parent plant for many of the hundreds of lotus hybrids and cultivars extant today.
The leaves are large, round, blue-green, waxy and stand above the surface of the water. In summer, large, long-stemmed, lightly fragrant, buttery yellow flowers fade to ivory with age. The fruits are large, woody, funnel-shaped, flat-topped pods with perforated holey tops containing round hard seeds. The pod are highly ornamental when dried and commonly used in everlasting arrangements.
Rich, wet soil and full sun are requirements for American lotus. It is also essential to protect their tubers from freezing. This can be done by planting them in a deeper part of a mud-bottomed pool that won’t form solid ice in winter.
These are a must for pond edges and water gardens. The only caveat to growing them is their tendency to spread, so give them space.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 11
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Plant Type
Aquatics
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m (2)
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, South-Central United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Poorly Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Tolerances
Wet Site
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Ample Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow
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Fruit Color
Lime Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
