In traditional Chinese culture, the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) symbolizes purity, nobility, harmony, love, marital bliss, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment, making it one of the most revered and auspicious plants. Its ability to emerge pristine from muddy waters has long been a metaphor for rising above adversity.
For garden enthusiasts and collectors, there are numerous captivating lotus varieties, each with unique characteristics. Let’s explore ten of the most beautiful types:
Often referred to as ‘Lady Slocum’, Mrs. Perry D. Slocum is a prized masterpiece among lotus varieties, originating from the United States. This cultivar was developed by Perry D. Slocum, a renowned American lotus breeder, and named after his wife.
This exceptional variety boasts impressively large blooms, with flowers reaching a diameter of up to 27 cm (10.6 inches). One of its most captivating features is the dramatic color transformation that occurs throughout its blooming period. The flower initially emerges as a vibrant orange-pink, gradually transitioning to a softer pink hue. By the third day of blooming, the petals transform into a delicate yellow, often retaining a subtle pink tinge at the tips.
The elegance of Mrs. Perry D. Slocum is further accentuated by its double to semi-double flower form, featuring multiple layers of broad, overlapping petals. This cultivar typically produces 30-40 petals per bloom, creating a lush, full appearance.
In terms of growth habits, Mrs. Perry D. Slocum is a vigorous and robust plant, capable of reaching heights of 150-180 cm (59-71 inches) above the water surface. Its large, circular leaves, known as lily pads, can span up to 60 cm (24 inches) in diameter, providing an attractive backdrop for the stunning flowers.
This lotus variety performs best in full sun exposure and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-11. It requires a minimum water depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) for optimal growth and blooming.
The unique color-changing characteristic of Mrs. Perry D. Slocum, combined with its impressive size and elegant form, significantly enhances its ornamental value. This makes it a highly sought-after variety for water gardens, ornamental ponds, and cut flower arrangements. Its extended blooming period, typically from mid-summer to early fall, further contributes to its popularity among lotus enthusiasts and garden designers alike.
The Thousand Petal Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Qianban Lian’) is a horticultural marvel among lotus flowers, with historical records of its existence dating back to China’s Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907 AD). This cultivar represents the pinnacle of lotus breeding, showcasing the plant’s remarkable genetic plasticity.
Distinguished by the extensive petalization of its stamens, flower base, and pistils, this lotus variety creates a spectacular display of overlapping petals. The tightly packed, peach-shaped buds unfurl into blooms of extraordinary complexity, making it one of the most ornamentally prized lotus cultivars. True to its name, the Thousand Petal Lotus typically produces between 1,500 to 3,000 petals per flower, far exceeding the petal count of standard lotus varieties.
This lotus variety reaches peak bloom during the height of summer, typically from late June to early September, offering an extended flowering period of nearly three months. The floral display is further enhanced by the dynamic color progression of its petals. Upon opening, the petals exhibit a rich, dark purple-red hue. As the flower matures, the color gradually lightens, transitioning through various shades until reaching a delicate pink before wilting.
The Thousand Petal Lotus thrives in full sun and nutrient-rich, waterlogged soil or shallow water. It requires a minimum water depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10. This cultivar, while spectacular, demands careful cultivation due to its complex flower structure, which can be susceptible to fungal issues in humid conditions.
Regular monitoring and proper spacing between plants are essential for maintaining healthy growth and maximizing its ornamental potential.
The Dancing Queen Lotus (Nelumbo ‘Dancing Queen’) unquestionably deserves its place among the most exquisite lotus varieties. This remarkable cultivar was introduced to the international horticultural scene in 1966 by renowned Japanese lotus expert Sakamoto Yuji. It is a result of careful hybridization between the American yellow lotus (Nelumbo lutea) and Japan’s ‘Dahe Lotus’ (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Dahe’), combining the best traits of both parent species.
Distinguished within the category of large lotus varieties, the Dancing Queen boasts a spectacular multicolored, semi-double bloom that can exceed 35 cm (14 inches) in diameter. The flower’s impressive size is complemented by its unique coloration, typically featuring a gradient of hues ranging from pale yellow at the base to soft pink at the petal tips, often with subtle lavender undertones.
The lotus’s common name is aptly chosen, as both its enormous flowers and expansive leaves create a mesmerizing display reminiscent of graceful dancers or fluttering butterflies. This visual effect is particularly striking when the plant is in full bloom, usually from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves, which can reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) across, add to the plant’s majestic presence in aquatic gardens.
Like all lotus plants, the Dancing Queen thrives in full sun and requires nutrient-rich, muddy soil submerged in still or slow-moving water. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-11, making it suitable for cultivation in a wide range of climates. This variety is not only prized for its ornamental value but also for its vigor and reliable blooming habit, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced water gardeners.
The Dancing Queen Lotus serves as a testament to the artistry of lotus breeding and the enduring allure of these ancient aquatic plants in modern horticulture.
When it comes to the most captivating yellow lotus varieties, Ice Sprite (Nelumbo ‘Ice Sprite’) undoubtedly stands out. Introduced by the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in April 2001, this cultivar is distinguished by its exquisite, bowl-shaped double blooms featuring approximately 90 petals in a soft, luminous yellow hue.
The flower buds of Ice Sprite are initially green and round-peach shaped, gradually revealing green-variegated petals as they unfurl. As the bloom matures, the stamens are partially petaloid, contributing to the flower’s full, lush appearance, while the pistils remain normal. The striking contrast between the pale yellow blooms and the dark green, circular leaves creates an exceptionally graceful and visually arresting display in any water garden.
Ice Sprite typically begins its blooming cycle in early June, coinciding with the onset of warmer temperatures. This variety is notably floriferous, capable of producing up to 10 flowers per plant, making it an excellent choice for abundant floral displays. Moreover, Ice Sprite boasts a longer blooming period compared to many other lotus cultivars, often continuing to produce flowers well into late summer or early autumn, depending on climate conditions.
The plant’s vigorous growth habit and resistance to common aquatic plant diseases make it a relatively low-maintenance choice for both novice and experienced water gardeners. Ice Sprite thrives in full sun exposure and prefers water depths of 6-24 inches (15-60 cm), making it suitable for a variety of water garden settings, from large ponds to container water gardens.
This cultivar not only serves as a stunning ornamental plant but also holds significance in traditional Chinese culture, where lotuses symbolize purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The Ice Sprite’s unique coloration and form make it a prized variety for both its aesthetic appeal and cultural resonance.
The Miniature Tri-color Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Miniature Tri-color’) is widely acclaimed as one of the most exquisite ornamental lotus cultivars, particularly prized among dwarf lotus varieties suitable for container gardening.
This cultivar is characterized by its distinctive elongated peach-shaped buds that unfurl into stunning blooms. The flowers exhibit a captivating tricolor gradient: vibrant red at the petal tips, transitioning to a delicate pinkish-white in the middle, and culminating in a soft yellow at the base. Fully opened flowers measure 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in diameter, making them ideal for small water features or decorative bowls.
The Miniature Tri-color Lotus is noted for its early and prolific blooming habit, often producing an abundance of flowers throughout its growing season. This cultivar displays normal pistil development, ensuring its reproductive viability. It exhibits versatility in growth forms, manifesting as floating leaves (leaf type), emergent stems (stem type), flower stalks (spike type), and rhizomes (root type), allowing for diverse aesthetic applications in aquatic gardens.
The flower’s unique color progression—from pale yellow at the base, through pristine white in the middle, to a soft pink at the tips—creates a mesmerizing visual effect that captivates observers. This gradient, combined with the compact size and dense flowering habit, makes the Miniature Tri-color Lotus exceptionally attractive for ornamental purposes.
Cultivation of this lotus variety typically focuses on its ornamental value. It is particularly well-suited for container water gardens, patio ponds, or as a featured specimen in smaller aquatic displays. The early blooming characteristic extends the viewing season, providing an extended period of enjoyment for gardeners and enthusiasts alike.
For optimal growth and flowering, the Miniature Tri-color Lotus requires full sun exposure, nutrient-rich aquatic soil, and water depths of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches). Regular fertilization during the growing season will support abundant blooming, while winter protection may be necessary in colder climates to ensure perennial growth.
Snow White (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Snow White’) is a renowned cultivar among the most exquisite lotus varieties. When in full bloom, it presents a pristine white color, exuding an air of purity and elegance. This double-petal lotus typically produces flowers with a diameter of approximately 13 cm (5 inches).
Primarily cultivated for its ornamental value, Snow White rarely produces seed pods. Its beauty has been celebrated in ancient Chinese literature for centuries, making it a popular choice for office decorations, where it adds a touch of natural refinement to the work environment.
As a cultivar of the bowl lotus (also known as dwarf lotus or mini lotus), Snow White is characterized by its compact growth habit and smaller stature compared to standard lotus varieties. Its delicate and exquisite appearance makes it ideal for container gardening. When the plant becomes lush, selective pruning can enhance its aesthetic appeal and maintain its desired shape.
To create captivating miniature landscapes, enthusiasts often incorporate small decorative elements such as miniature mountains, boats, or bridges into the container. This practice, known as “penjing” or “tray scenery” in Chinese garden art, transforms the Snow White lotus arrangement into a fascinating living sculpture that combines horticulture with artistic expression.
Cultivation tips for Snow White lotus:
By following these guidelines, gardeners can successfully grow and enjoy the ethereal beauty of the Snow White lotus, creating a serene and captivating display in their homes or offices.
Oriental Pearl is one of the most prized ornamental lotus varieties, particularly celebrated for its compact size and exquisite beauty. This micro lotus, classified as Nelumbo nucifera ‘Oriental Pearl’, is perfectly suited for container cultivation, making it an ideal choice for small gardens, patios, or even indoor spaces with adequate sunlight.
The plant’s foliage is distinctive, featuring shield-shaped, round leaves that float gracefully on the water’s surface or rise slightly above it. The robust leaf stalks, or petioles, are adorned with short, sharp spines – a characteristic that adds to the plant’s textural interest and serves as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores.
The flowers of Oriental Pearl are truly its crowning glory. They emerge individually atop sturdy stalks, rising well above the foliage. Each bloom measures 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in diameter, a perfect miniature of its larger lotus cousins. The flowering period extends from early summer through early autumn, typically from June to September, providing a long season of visual delight.
These blossoms are not only visually stunning but also pleasantly fragrant. The petals exhibit a captivating color palette, ranging from deep rose-red to softer pink hues, arranged in an elegant elliptical shape. This color variation can sometimes occur within the same flower, creating a mesmerizing ombré effect as the petals unfurl.
Cultivation of Oriental Pearl requires a watertight container with a diameter of 25-75 cm (10-30 inches) and a depth of 20-62.5 cm (8-25 inches). This size range allows for flexibility in placement while ensuring the plant has adequate space for root development and nutrient uptake. The container should be filled with a rich, loamy soil mixture and submerged in water, with the water level maintained just above the soil surface.
The exceptional qualities of Oriental Pearl have not gone unnoticed in horticultural circles. Its perfect balance of compact size, stunning blooms, and ease of cultivation earned it a prestigious first-class award at the 7th National Lotus Exhibition in China, cementing its status as a premier choice among micro lotus varieties.
For enthusiasts and collectors, Oriental Pearl offers the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of lotus flowers in a conveniently small package, bringing the serenity and beauty of these aquatic plants to spaces where larger varieties might not be feasible.
Great Sprinkling Brocade, also known as “Jade Butterfly Tiger’s Mouth” (玉蝶虎口), is a renowned ornamental lotus cultivar discovered in the Puzhehei area of Wenshan, Yunnan Province, China. It belongs to the large-flowered, double-petaled, mixed-color category within the Chinese lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) series.
This exceptional variety is characterized by its distinctive floral features:
This lotus cultivar typically blooms from mid-summer to early autumn, thriving in full sun and still water conditions. Its unique coloration and form make it highly prized in water gardens, ponds, and traditional Chinese landscape designs.
The name “Great Sprinkling Brocade” alludes to the flower’s intricate color pattern, reminiscent of an elaborately woven and dyed silk brocade. This poetic name, along with its alternate title “Jade Butterfly Tiger’s Mouth,” reflects the Chinese tradition of bestowing evocative names on lotus cultivars, often inspired by their appearance or cultural significance.
Great Sprinkling Brocade exemplifies the rich diversity and horticultural artistry achieved through centuries of lotus cultivation in China, showcasing the potential for stunning color variations within the species.
The Red Sun lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Red Sun’) is aptly named for its vibrant crimson hue, evocative of a radiant sun. This medium-sized cultivar is characterized by its relatively verdant foliage, with leaves reaching a height of 27 cm and a diameter of 25 cm. The flower stalk, or peduncle, ascends to an impressive 40 cm, supporting blossoms with a diameter of 15 cm.
This lotus variety boasts a double-petal formation, featuring an abundance of 72 petals. The petals exhibit a captivating color range from deep red to soft pink and pristine white. Their shape varies from rounded rectangles to elliptical or ovate forms, creating a visually complex and appealing flower. The overall structure of the bloom is bowl-shaped, emerging from an elongated, peach-shaped bud that displays a rich, deep purplish-red coloration.
The Red Sun lotus has undergone some genetic modifications, resulting in a few altered stamens. While the pistils remain unaffected and functional, it’s worth noting that the fruit setting rate is comparatively low. This characteristic is not uncommon in highly cultivated ornamental varieties, where the focus is often on floral display rather than seed production.
The blooming period for the Red Sun lotus typically commences in late June, aligning with the warm summer months that promote lotus growth. However, it’s important for cultivators to note that this variety produces a relatively modest number of flowers compared to some other lotus cultivars. This trait, combined with its manageable size, makes the Red Sun particularly well-suited for container gardening or pot cultivation.
For optimal growth and flowering, the Red Sun lotus requires full sun exposure, nutrient-rich aquatic soil, and consistent moisture. Regular fertilization during the growing season can help support its lush foliage and encourage more prolific blooming. While it may not be the most floriferous variety, the Red Sun’s striking color and elegant form make it a prized addition to water gardens, ponds, or decorative containers.
The Pink Peony is a cultivated hybrid water lily variety developed in the United States. It belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae, not the water lily family as previously stated. This stunning aquatic plant was introduced to China in the 1990s, quickly gaining popularity among water garden enthusiasts.
Characterized by its medium-sized flowers, the Pink Peony water lily produces large, captivating pink blossoms. These flowers are star-shaped when fully open and can reach a diameter of 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches). They either float gracefully on the water’s surface or stand slightly above it, creating a beautiful display in ponds and water features.
Each flower boasts 32-40 spoon-shaped petals, which are broader than those of many other water lily varieties. These petals are arranged in multiple overlapping layers, giving the flower a full, lush appearance reminiscent of its namesake, the terrestrial peony. This unique petal arrangement contributes to its ornamental appeal and distinguishes it from other water lily cultivars.
The reproductive structures of the Pink Peony water lily are particularly interesting. The pistils form a ring in the center of the flower, partially submerged in the fleshy, cup-shaped receptacle. These pistils are fused at the base and extend upward into separate styles at the top. This structure is typical of Nymphaea species and plays a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction.
While some water lilies have practical uses, such as food or medicine, the Pink Peony is primarily cultivated for its ornamental value. Its stunning flowers, attractive foliage, and ability to thrive in aquatic environments make it a prized addition to water gardens, ponds, and other aquatic landscapes.
To successfully grow Pink Peony water lilies, they require full sun exposure, still or slow-moving water, and nutrient-rich soil. They perform best in hardiness zones 4-11, making them suitable for a wide range of climates. Regular fertilization during the growing season will encourage abundant blooming, allowing gardeners to fully appreciate the beauty of this remarkable aquatic plant.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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