Aquatic perennial of Asian and Australian wetlands with spectacular blue-green peltate leaves and pink or white cup-shaped flowers held high above the water. Edible rhizomes and seeds, and fine silk-like fibre from the leaf stalks.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 4–11 | −34.4 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H6 | −20 °C to −15 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −23 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–7 | −10 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Fibre is the lotus silk extracted from broken leaf stalks — strands are gathered and twisted into thread, one of the rarest and most expensive natural fibres in the world (a single ceremonial robe takes months of work)
- Edible rhizomes (renkon) and seeds are staples of East and Southeast Asian cuisine
- Sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism — emerges immaculate from muddy water, a key symbol in both traditions
- Hardier than commonly assumed — established crowns overwinter in the mud of frozen ponds well into USDA zone 4
Categories
Related plants
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