East Indian Lotus, Sacred Indian Lotus

Native in most countries of Asia, the Lotus plant with its large, showy, water-lily-like flowers, is an aquatic perennial, and is planted in the soil of a pond or lake with its leaves floating on top of the water. It is found in Arriyadh only in sheltered gardens with some shade from the sun. This is an iconic plant which creates a beautiful aspect when in full bloom. The flowers rise on thick, long stems up to 40 cm above the water. Its leaves often reach a height of about 150 cm and may be as large as 60 cm in diameter, while the showy flowers can be up to 20 cm in diameter. The beautiful and fragrant flowers, ranging in hue from white to hot pink, open in the morning and petals fall in the afternoon. The leaves are sometimes, and flowers always, raised above the water surface. The fruits are conical capsule with openings looking like the rose of a watering can, and are also decorative. When the seeds are ripe, the pod tips them through the openings into the water. The Lotus grows best in calm, fresh water: it requires many nutrients good garden; non-manured soil is suitable. Fast growing, the Lotus is best contained in a large pond in deep water, but it is also very effective in a large water jar. Propagation is by seed or root division. As in its native countries, the leaves of Lotus will turn brown after frost, but the plant is not damaged and revives in spring. Maintenance is moderate, if a tidy effect is desired it becomes intensive, and plants must be fertilised during the growing season.