Nelumbo Red at Sunset - Lotus

Nelumbo 'Red at Sunset' is a dwarf lotus with a very vibrant, almost red flowering. Its single flowers, initially dome-shaped, open widely to reveal a golden centre. This variety blooms throughout the summer and is easy to cultivate. It is ideally suited for patio ponds, barrels, and small water features. Lotus is winter-hardy provided its rhizome does not freeze.

Nelumbo 'Red at Sunset' is a dwarf lotus cultivar belonging to the Nelumbonaceae family, derived from the Nelumbo nucifera species, commonly known as the sacred lotus. Native to Asia, particularly India, Nepal, China, and Japan, N. nucifera thrives naturally in the calm, shallow waters of ponds, lakes, and marshes in these regions. The 'Red at Sunset' cultivar was developed by the nursery Ten Mile Creek Nursery. It stands out for its compact size and reddish-pink flowers. The plant has an upright habit with almost round leaves measuring 10 to 15 cm in diameter, supported by sturdy petioles rising above the water. Its growth is rapid, with foliage reaching a height of 30 to 50 cm. The deciduous foliage emerges in spring and disappears in winter. It consists of green, rounded, hydrophobic leaves that repel water, contributing to the self-cleaning effect characteristic of lotuses. The flowers are approximately 10 cm in diameter and bloom from June to September, transitioning from a cup shape to a wider opening. Each flower lasts several days before fading, making way for new buds. The highly decorative, watering-can-shaped fruits feature small holes that release the seeds when ripe. They are often used in dried flower arrangements and contain numerous seeds that will eventually sink and germinate in the mud.

Dwarf lotus is perfect for small water features and thrives easily in various watertight containers on patios and balconies. The number of flowers produced depends on the size of the planting container: a plant in a 30 cm diameter pot will produce between 3 and 8 flowers, while a 50 cm container will yield 8 to 15, and a large bowl or barrel of 80 cm can accommodate up to 25 flowers. The lotus thrives in a heavy clay substrate, within a pot submerged under 10 to 30 cm of water, in full sun. In a garden pond, the lotus plays a key ecological role: its floating foliage provides protective shade for fish, while contributing to water oxygenation and maintaining the biological balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

A symbol of purity and spirituality, the sacred lotus holds a central place in several traditions and religions. In Buddhism, it is said that Buddha appeared floating on a lotus leaf, while in Hinduism, it is considered the cradle of the universe.