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Nelumbo Double Bonheur

Nelumbo Double Bonheur
Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Lotus

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The vegetation of this lotus rises to 30-40cm from the surface, its almost round leaves measure 10-15cm in diameter, and its 10cm flowers bloom throughout the summer, even until October. These are double cups, with crumpled white petals bordered with pale pink, adorned with yellow stamens. The plant is small but vigorous and floriferous. It is particularly suitable for small ponds, basins, barrels, and other containers. Lotuses are hardy if their rootstock does not freeze. It can also be taken out of the water in autumn and stored away from frost, in slightly damp mud.
Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June
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Description

Nelumbo 'Double Bonheur' is a rare small lotus in cultivation. However, this doesn't prevent it from growing vigorously and blooming generously, in the form of adorable double corollas, in crumpled pink and white silk. Ideal for ornamenting small ponds and terraces, this miniature variety possesses the exotic charm of the sacred lotus of India, with its small round leaves that rise above the water and a very long summer flowering period.

The Lotus 'Double Bonheur' is a perennial plant from the Nelumbonaceae family. It is an aquatic plant whose foliage and flower rise above the water, unlike those of water lilies. The original range of the species, Nelumbo nucifera, includes Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. In these regions, it inhabits large ponds and canals filled with muddy water, from which it stands out majestically.

The 'Double Bonheur' variety develops, starting from spring, bluish-green leaves, more or less upright, with a flat or concave surface, slightly undulated at the edges. Water droplets projected onto their surface bead up instead of spreading out due to the water-repellent quality of the epidermis. The entire and peltate lamina, measuring between 10 and 15cm in diameter, attaches to the very brittle rhizome by a thin spiny petiole, fixed under the center of the leaf. The plant will rise to about 35-40cm above the water surface. Flowering begins in June-July and continues until autumn. The double flowers, with a crumpled texture, measuring 10cm in diameter, are solitary. They persist for several days before wilting and will be replaced by new flower buds. This flowering is followed by the formation of highly decorative fruits shaped like a watering can spout adorned with small holes through which the seeds escape when ripe. It is often used in the making of dried bouquets and contains numerous seeds that will eventually sink and germinate in the mud.

This 'Double Bonheur' lotus can withstand our winters if its rhizome does not freeze. As a precaution, it can also be taken out of the water in autumn and stored in frost-free conditions, in slightly damp mud. Like all dwarf varieties, it is ideal for small water plants and adapts to cultivation in various watertight containers that will decorate the terrace or balcony. The number of flowers produced depends on the size of the growing container. In a container with a diameter of 30cm, the plant will produce between 3 and 8 flowers, 8 to 15 flowers in a 50cm container, and up to 25 in a basin or barrel with an 80cm diameter.

Lotuses and water lilies will be the main attraction of your pond plantings. Most of them bloom from spring until early autumn. The lotus is also an essential plant for maintaining the balance of a garden pond, as it contributes to water oxygenation. Its leaves provide shade and shelter for your fish, which, in return, protect them from predatory insects such as aphids.

The entire plant is edible. The seeds are consumed candied, and the rhizome is a nourishing starch. The yellow stamens are used to flavour tea in Vietnam. The rhizome and seeds are also used in Chinese cosmetics to fight against aging, as well as in medicine and perfumery.

The perfection of the flower and fruit of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) makes this aquatic plant a symbol of purity in several religions. In Buddhism, it derives its sacred character from the belief that Buddha appeared floating on its leaf. In Hinduism, it is perceived as the cradle of the universe.

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Product reference21204

Planting and care

Apart from a few precautions, the cultivation of the 'Double Bonheur' Dwarf Lotus does not require any particular arrangement. The dwarf lotus requires a sunny location. It can tolerate negative temperatures down to -12°C, provided it is submerged deep enough. Plant the rootstock without breaking it, horizontally, in late spring, in a pot or directly in the mud, between 10 and 20cm below the water surface. Bury the stump under 12cm of rich silt or clay (never use horticultural compost, as it would rise to the surface and promote the development of algae). For shallow ponds, planting in a container is possible, but it will be necessary to overwinter the rootstocks in damp sand protected from frost. The rootstocks can be planted in a wicker basket or a fine mesh basket, 30-40cm in diameter (wider than it is tall), which is sunk in the desired location. Give them the sunniest spot in the water feature. Space each rootstock at least 50cm apart.

In regions with harsh winters, it is preferable to keep the rootstock in a moist pot protected from frost from October to May.

Never leave the lotus rootstocks exposed to the sun or air to prevent them from drying out; plant them as soon as you receive or purchase them. If you have fish in your pond, it is advisable to spread a thick layer of coarse gravel on the surface of the planted pot to discourage them from digging in the soil and thus fouling the water. The growth of Nelumbos will be optimal if they are planted in containers suitable for their growth. Lotuses are hungry plants: distribute a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting, and then every year at the beginning of the growing season (for example: Osmocote 10-11-18-2 with a duration of 5-6 months). During the summer, remove the leaves that grow in excessive numbers in the centre of the clump, leaving only the most vigorous ones. Also remove any yellowed or stained leaves, as well as aquatic adventives that emerge from the surface. Be careful, contact with lotus foliage can cause an allergic reaction!

Monitor infestations of aphids on the foliage. Introduce ladybird larvae or spray black soap on the foliage. Remove yellowed leaves at the end of summer.

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