Nelumbo nucifera seeds - Sacred lotus

Sacred lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera) offer the opportunity to grow and nurture this exceptional aquatic plant, renowned for its fragrant, majestic flowers in a delicate pink hue. Its floating leaves, shaped like shields, bring an exotic and zen touch to ponds and water gardens. A symbol of purity and spirituality, this perennial is perfect for enhancing a water feature or pond while promoting a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

Nelumbo nucifera belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family. Symbolising purity and spiritual elevation, the lotus develops sturdy stems that can emerge from the water up to 1.50 metres in height. In summer, its large flowers bloom above the surface, captivating with their elegance and delicate fragrance. After flowering, they give way to decorative seed pods containing hardy seeds capable of germinating even after many years. However, plants grown from seeds require two to three years to reach maturity and begin flowering, a period necessary for the development of submerged rhizomes. The plant is characterised by its large, waxy, water-repellent (hydrophobic) leaves and remarkable flowers that close at night. Its flowers, which can reach 20 to 30 cm in diameter, consist of broad, silky petals in pale pink and cream, with a bright yellow centre that attracts pollinators. Their delicate, sweet fragrance evokes the gardens of tropical Asia. The floating leaves, meanwhile, measure between 40 and 60 cm in diameter and are covered with a hydrophobic cuticle, allowing them to repel water and remain clean. The foliage is deciduous, disappearing in winter before reappearing in spring. Caution: contact with lotus foliage may cause skin allergies!

Native to Asia, India, and Australia, Nelumbo nucifera is a botanical species that has been present for millennia in cultures and aquatic landscapes. In China and India, it is deeply rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, where it symbolises purity and rebirth. In Thailand and Vietnam, it is cultivated for its edible seeds and rhizomes, while in Australia, it grows naturally in the marshes and lagoons of the country's north. This plant adapts to temperate and tropical climates.

The submerged rhizomes are particularly hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -12/-15°C, as long as they remain buried underwater, protected from direct frost. The sacred lotus is an exceptional plant for natural ponds and water gardens. It can be paired with other aquatic plants such as water lilies, dwarf Japanese horsetails, or papyrus, to create an exotic and enchanting atmosphere.