Nelumbo Nucifera

Deep, luminous color saturates the large peony-shaped flower of 'Ancient Capital Red Canal'. This lotus hits right at the height boundary between a large and a medium classification when grown in an 18" diameter pot. We have found it to be a quick and early bloomer here at Ten Mile Creek. The color does not fade as the flower ages. 'Red Canal' sometimes has a petaloid formation in the receptacle (center); at other times, the receptacle will produce seeds.

Flower Color: Brilliant Red
Plant Height: Medium/ Tall, 36"" and taller
Flower Type: Multi-petal, more than 50 petals
Pot Size: 20" and wider, 12"-18" deep

How do I fertilize lotus? When do I begin to fertilize lotus?

Wait until the lotus plant has several floating leaves or begins to put up aerial leaves before adding fertilizer. Choose a good fertilizer such as Waterlily World Tablets, Pondtabbs or Landon's Aquatic Fertilizer and follow the instructions carefully. The amount of fertilizer to use is usually based on the size of the pot and the amount of soil in the pot. For example, most of the small tablets are added at a ratio of 1-2 tablets per gallon of soil in the pot. Once the lotus has started to grow vigorously tablets can be added every 2-3 weeks. Stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the lotus to use up all the fertilizer in the pot before going dormant. This encourages the lotus to form better rhizomes.