Nymphaea lotus (White Egyptian Lotus)

Nymphaea lotus (White Egyptian Lotus) is a robust night-blooming aquatic perennial boasting rounded green leaves, up to 12 in. (30 cm), with teeth around their edges. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large star-shaped flowers, 5-10 in. across (12-25 cm). Each blossom features upright, pointed, pure white petals surrounding a conspicuous bouquet of golden stamens. Blooming all summer, the blossoms open nocturnally and stay open until midday. Native to Africa and specific areas in Europe, White Egyptian Lotus has become naturalized in North America and some countries in South America and Asia. This tropical nymphaea has a number of medicinal properties and is often introduced into new areas as an ornamental. It also has many uses as a human food. 

• Grows up to 8-12 in. tall (20-30 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in undisturbed water in neutral to slightly acidic soil. Appreciates some part shade in hot summer areas where daytime temperatures reach 100ºF (35ºC). Needs protection from wind.
• Plant tubers in spring, preferably in a small container, after the water temperature has warmed to about 70ºF (21ºC). Position the basket so that it is covered by 9-16 in. (22-40 cm) of water. Feed every 2-3 weeks with a proprietary aquatic fertilizer.
• Deadhead and remove yellow leaves regularly.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for water-lily beetle, water lily aphid, brown china-mark moth, false leaf-mining midge, crown rot, brown spot and water lily leaf spot.
• Native to Africa and specific areas in Europe.