Nelumbo L'Aube Rouge - Lotus

Nelumbo 'L'Aube Rouge' is a small-growing lotus that produces graceful, single flowers in a vibrant pink, from summer until the onset of autumn. This cultivar may not suit lovers of pastel shades, but it will undoubtedly catch everyone's eye! Well-suited to patio ponds, small water gardens, and container cultivation, its rhizome should be planted under 10 to 20 cm of water.

Lotus 'L'Aube Rouge' is a cultivar of Chinese origin, selected at the Donghu Institute. It is sometimes found under its literal translation from German 'Rote Dämmerung' or English 'Red Sunrise'. It is an aquatic perennial from the Nelumbonaceae family. The wild species, Nelumbo nucifera, is native to a region spanning Southeast Asia (India, Nepal...) and Northern Australia. In these areas, it thrives in large ponds and canals filled with muddy water, from which it rises majestically. Nelumbo 'L'Aube Rouge' is a deciduous plant: its foliage develops in spring and disappears before winter. Its upright, blue-green leaves display a flat or concave surface, slightly wavy at the edges. Water droplets sprayed onto their surface bead up due to the water-repellent quality of the epidermis. The entire, rounded lamina measures between 10 and 15 cm in diameter. It is attached to the rhizome by a slender petiole, fixed beneath the centre of the leaf. The plant will grow to a maximum of 50 cm above the water's surface. Flowering begins between June and July and continues until August-September. The flowers measure 10 cm in diameter, their colour is a particularly vivid pink on a cream base. They last several days before fading. After pollination, highly decorative fruits form, shaped like a watering can rose. The seeds escape through small holes when ripe. Lotus fruits are sought after for dried bouquet arrangements.

Dwarf Lotus 'L'Aube Rouge' adds incredible charm to a terrace or balcony. It is easily grown in various watertight containers. The number of flowers produced depends on the size of the growing container. In a 30 cm diameter container, the plant will produce between 3 and 8 flowers, 8 to 15 flowers in a 50 cm container, and up to 25 in an 80 cm diameter bowl or barrel. Pair it with oxygenating aquatic plants like Hippuris or Hottonia. Lotus and dwarf water lilies are jewels for small water gardens. Most flower for long weeks without requiring maintenance. The lotus is also essential for the balance of a water container, as it helps oxygenate the water.

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