Nelumbo nucifera ‘Qian Ban Lian’ Lotus: A Thousand Petal Beauty

The Nelumbo nucifera ‘Qian Ban Lian’, commonly known as the Thousand Petal Lotus, is an extraordinary cultivar of the sacred lotus. While its vegetative structures resemble those of typical lotus plants, its floral morphology is truly remarkable, boasting an exceptional number of petals—often exceeding 1,000 per flower.

This cultivar exhibits a distinctive petal arrangement, with larger petals on the periphery gradually diminishing in size towards the center, creating a densely layered, dome-like structure. This unique formation is the origin of its evocative name, ‘Thousand Petal Lotus’. The flowering period coincides with the height of summer, typically lasting for an impressive span of nearly three months.

The flower’s color progression is particularly noteworthy. Initially, the petals display a deep purple-red hue, which gradually transforms as the bloom matures. As the flower transitions to a pink coloration, it begins its senescence phase, making it an exceptionally ornamental variety and a prized specimen among lotus enthusiasts.

I. Basic Introduction

The Thousand Petal Lotus is distinguished by its complete petaloid transformation of stamens, receptacles, and carpels, resulting in a fully double flower form. The flower bud exhibits a characteristic peach-like shape, with a gradient of petal sizes from exterior to interior.

In optimal conditions, a single flower may produce between 1,500 to 3,000 petals, enhancing its ornamental value significantly. Environmental factors and seasonal variations can influence the number of flower hearts produced, ranging from 1 to 6 per plant. Mature flowers can achieve impressive weights of 0.5 to 0.7 kg.

Cultivation of the Thousand Petal Lotus is typically conducted in aquatic environments such as ponds or flooded paddy fields. The plant not only serves ornamental purposes but also has economic value for its edible rhizomes (lotus roots). Harvested in autumn and winter, lotus root yields can reach 1,000 to 1,250 kg per 667 square meters under favorable conditions.

Morphological observations indicate that local cultivars of the Thousand Petal Lotus attain heights of 140 to 160 cm, featuring relatively large leaves. The rhizome structure typically consists of 3 to 4 nodes, with the third node being particularly notable, measuring 20 to 25 cm in length and 5.5 to 6 cm in diameter, presenting an elongated form. While most flowers develop a single heart, some specimens may produce two.

Key characteristics include:

• Complete petaloid transformation of reproductive structures
• Plant height of 150 to 160 cm in native conditions
• Predominantly single-heart flowers, with occasional double-heart specimens
• Petal count ranging from 1,000 to 1,500
• Slender rhizome sections with 3 to 4 nodes and high fiber content

When introduced to different climatic conditions, such as in Wuhan, the plant demonstrates remarkable adaptability. In this environment, it can reach heights of 180 to 200 cm. The flowering period shifts to July and August, with a tendency towards producing 2 to 3 hearts per flower, and occasional specimens developing up to 5 or 6 hearts. The rhizome structure remains similar, but with a higher proportion (up to 37%) of roots developing 5 or more nodes. Yield remains consistent at approximately 1,000 kg per 667 square meters.

Nutritional analysis of fresh lotus roots from this cultivar reveals superior content compared to both promoted and local varieties:

• 21.75% dry matter
• 1.26% starch
• 0.55% protein
• 633.7 mg of vitamin C

II. Cultivation Method

The cultivation cycle of the Thousand Petal Lotus begins annually after the onset of spring. Rhizome cuttings are planted in level paddy fields prior to rice seedling sowing. This timing allows for synchronous sprouting and initial growth with the rice crop. Following rice transplantation, the lotus plants rapidly establish themselves, eventually covering the entire paddy area.

The floral development of this cultivar is particularly fascinating. The initial flower bud emerges in a distinctive spindle shape, encased in green outer petals. As the bud develops, it undergoes a morphological transformation, swelling at the middle and lower sections to assume a pointed, peach-like form. The outermost green petals abscise sequentially, revealing the underlying pink petals.

A unique characteristic of this cultivar is that the flowers never fully open in the traditional sense. Instead, they maintain a semi-closed, bud-like appearance throughout their lifespan. The petals slightly loosen and may shed in small quantities, but the overall structure remains intact until senescence.

This unique floral structure has given rise to a traditional children’s game. Young enthusiasts often attempt to “read” the flower by gently unfolding the petals one by one. This process continues until they reach the minute, clustered petals at the center, which remain tightly grouped.

It’s important to note that this cultivar does not develop a conventional lotus pod, and consequently does not produce seeds. This sterility is a common feature in many highly double-flowered cultivars, where reproductive structures have been completely transformed into petals.

Another popular pastime involves using the large outer petals for a sound-making game. Children place a concave petal over the circle formed by their thumb and index finger, then strike it with their palm to create a popping sound. This game often evolves into a competition, with participants vying to create the largest hole and loudest sound.

These traditional games not only provide entertainment but also foster an early appreciation for the unique qualities of this remarkable lotus cultivar, blending horticultural interest with cultural practices.