1 / 9

Nelumbo lutea

American lotus

Nelumbonaceae Eastern and central North America

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 4–10

Overview

Nelumbo lutea is an aquatic perennial in the lotus family, native to still and slow-moving waters of eastern and central North America. From thick rhizomes anchored in mud, it sends up round, blue-green leaves 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) across, some floating and others held on stiff stalks 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 m) above the surface. The leaf surface repels water, which beads and rolls off. Pale yellow flowers 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) wide open from June to September, each lasting two to three days and held above the foliage. After bloom, the receptacle enlarges into a flat-topped, perforated pod 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) wide holding hard, acorn-like seeds. The species spreads quickly by rhizomes and can fill a pond, crowding out other aquatics, so it needs containment or a large body of water. Foliage dies back in autumn and the rhizomes overwinter in mud below the frost line. Seeds remain viable for decades and are eaten by waterfowl. Plants grow in water 2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 m) deep in full sun.

Native Range

Native to eastern and central North America, from southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to Florida, Texas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It grows in ponds, lake margins, backwaters, and slow rivers.

Suggested Uses

Grown in ponds, water gardens, and large containers as an emergent aquatic. In tubs, a single rhizome fills a 20-25 gallon (75-95 L) basin in one season. Used in wildlife ponds where seeds and cover support waterfowl.

How to Identify

Identify by the round, blue-green leaves up to 2 feet (60 cm) across, attached at the center of the stalk and held cupped above the water. Pale yellow flowers and the flat-topped, shower-head seed receptacle separate it from waterlilies, whose leaves have a notch and whose seedpods sink. The hard, dark seeds sit in round holes across the woody pod.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'

Width/Spread4' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer

Flowers open from June to September, peaking in July and August. Each bloom lasts two to three days, opening in the morning and closing by afternoon. Plants begin flowering in their second or third season once rhizomes are established.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale yellow to cream

Foliage Description

Blue-green, round, water-repellent

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam silt

Drainagewet

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun in water 2-8 feet (0.6-2.4 m) deep over a mud or clay bottom. Set rhizomes into heavy loam or clay in spring as water warms, since rhizomes rot in cold, disturbed conditions. Spread is vigorous, so confine rhizomes to a planting basket or tub in smaller ponds. Remove yellowing leaves and spent pods through the season to reduce litter in the water. Foliage dies back in autumn and needs no winter protection where the rhizome sits below the frost line. Aquatic fertilizer tablets pushed into the root zone support stronger bloom in containers.

Pruning

Remove yellowing leaves and faded seed pods through summer to limit debris in the water. Cut back remaining foliage after it dies down in autumn. Thin or lift rhizomes every few years to keep the planting within bounds.

Pruning Schedule

fall