Product Overview
Nelumbo 'Space Lotus 36' - Pink Hardy Water Lotus
Space Lotus 36 is a large, sturdy lotus that closely resembles the original Asian Sacred Lotus species, but mutated (cosmic radiation?) into a sturdier, better blooming form with slightly deeper color saturation. The bud opens as a medium pink that lightens as it opens and ages, with a yellow center that also lightens with age. Space Lotus 36 is the unique result of an experiment in the Chinese space program, with lotus seed in outer space. This lotus was seed #36 in the experiment, and we are happy they went to all that trouble for us! Besides being a good bloomer, it is also a good edible seed producer, and even has edible tubers! (While technically all lotus tubers are edible they aren't all palatable, so we only mentions the better tasting ones.) Overall, a definite improvement over the original Asian Sacred Lotus, and as cool back story as well!
SIZE: Large (Height 4' to 6', Large Spread)
Planting Container: We recommend a 20" x 7" fabric pot as a minimum. For a specimen plant maximizing size and number of blooms, use an even larger tub of up to 5' diameter, or plant in a large ceramic pot or whiskey barrel for the deck.
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Full Sun
WATER DEPTH: 2" TO 24" (Maximum water depth is for mature lotus). When fully grown, it is possible to move them into water 1 or 2 feet deeper, but they will come up later in the season, and not get as tall.
USDA HARDINESS ZONES: 4-11
FERTILIZING: For best health and growth, and especially for maximizing the size and number of blooms, we recommend fertilizing waterlilies regularly. Use Pondtabbs 20 count, 60 count, or 300 count for fast release, or Aquascape 6 count or 12 count capsules for slow release (once a year) fertilizing. Aquascape is preferred for low maintenance, but Pondtabbs are useful in Spring when Aquascape is slow to start in low temperatures. Pondtabbs are also useful for a quick extra nutrient push for extra bloom, and for mid-summer fertilizing of a new plant (we don't recommend using slow release fertilizer in mid-summer or later in cold climates, as plants should run out of fertilizer at the end of the year to encourage dormancy in cold climates). For best bloom, double the amount of fertilizer for lotus, compared to most other plants.
Lotus are sold as bare root tubers, or sometimes later in the Spring as runners with small leaves. The growing points are fragile, and must be handled very carefully.
Important!: For planting and fertilizing instructions, and also for general care, please see our Planting and Care Guide for Hardy Water Lotus. It is critical to read these instructions before getting a lotus, so you may provide the right environment for these beautiful plants!
For information on Using Plants for Pond Filtration, please read our blog on this topic!
