Contrary to popular belief it is perfectly possible to grow some varieties of these beautiful aquatic plants in at least the southern counties of the United Kingdom. They require warm summer weather in order to bloom so may not flower well in cold regions, but are fully hardy through the winter if planted properly. I have been growing them here in sunny Essex totally unprotected from frost since 1998. I have experimented with different varieties until I found those which thrive in our climate - many simply need more heat than the average British summer can provide. All tubers are my own, grown on the premises here. I do not sell foreign, imported Lotus, which are difficult to establish.
They do however need quite specific growing conditions in order to succeed. Firstly, I do not recommend them if you cannot supply them with at least 6 hours direct sunlight per day from April to late September.
Secondly, the growing points on Lotus plants are extremely fragile. If these get damaged the plant will always die, so please unwrap and handle your plants with great care at all times.
The tubers should always be planted in round containers, as the growing points may be damaged by growing into corners, which will cause the plant to die. Similarly, do not use open mesh baskets such as traditional aquatic baskets, as the growing points will get stuck in the holes in them and die - use solid containers. The growing container also needs to be large - I would recommend something at least 45 - 90cm (18-36 inches) in diameter and at least 15cm (6 inches) deep. Black containers are best, as these absorb sunlight and warm up the plants in spring more quickly. (Because of these requirements, many people choose to plant their Lotus straight into very large round containers which in effect become a small pond in their own right).
Plant the Lotus in heavy loam or special aquatic soil, and add our
Pond Spikes. Plant with only the tip of the growing points visible above the soil, and then just 5cm (2 inches) of water over this - the plants need as much sun and warmth as possible in order to put on sufficient growth to make tubers for next year. The plants do better in rainwater than tap water.
Flowers appear August to September.
During the winter, keep the tuber below the frost line and it will be fine.
Please note there is only a very short window to ship Lotus tubers - usually late March to late April. After this they are simply too delicate to dig up and ship.
