Nelumbo nucifera is an aquatic perennial is in the Nelumbonaceae family. This is a Red species of the Nelumbo nucifera and the rarest of the Nelumbos. It is native to Asia and Australia. Not to be confused with the genus Nympheae which is also a sacred lotus famous in the Indian culture. The Nelumbo nucifera is called the sacred lotus for the symbolic status the flower holds in relation to Buddhism and Hinduism. The seeds are impenetrable by water, giving the seed a shelf life of several hundred years. It grows to 6 feet tall in shallow waters. The seeds fall to the bottom of the silty bottom and can lay in waiting if there is a drought. Once it rains the seeds will crack and start to germinate to produce more plants. The most beautiful water flowers in my opinion. Zones 4-11
Germination
With nail clippers, snip off the concave end of the seed's outer coating so water may enter. Drop seeds into a water container filled with water about 6 inches to the top. Keep in a sunny spot until germination which is in 2-25 days. Transplant seeds to deeper water once grown.
