RHS 1999 Chinese arrowroot, Chinese waterlily, East Indian lotus, Eastern lotus, Egyptian sacred bean, Indian lotus, padma, water bean
A rhizomatous aquatic perennial with long-stalked, rounded green leaves to 80cm wide, and solitary, pink or white, water lily-like flowers to 30cm wide, borne on long stalks well above water level in summer
1-1.5 metres
1-1.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
In an outdoor pool grow in a large container in heavy loam enriched with well-rotted farmyard manure or compost, in full sun. As growth proceeds, gradually lower the containers to increase the water depth to 40-60cm (16-24in), or 15-22cm (6-9in) for smaller cultivars. Remove fading foliage. In cold areas, reduce the water level gradually in autumn, remove the container and overwinter in frost-free conditions, keeping the rhizomes just moist. Under glass, grow in large containers in an indoor pool in full light. See pond plants for further advice
Propagate by seed sown in spring, preferably scarified before sowing, at a minumum temperature of 25°C (77°F) in small containers of loam covered by 5cm (2in) of water. Increase water depth and container size until plants are large enough to plant in the flowering site. Propagate by division of the fragile rhizomes, which resent disturbance. In spring, plant rootstock horizontally just below the soil surface, and barely submerge until growth starts
Cut away fading foliage
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Generally disease-free