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With large, bold leaves standing high above the water, the lotus give us a midsummer treat, fragrant colorful blossoms sometimes reaching twelve inches across. The first leaves float on the pond's surface like a water lily. As summer approaches, the emerging leaves are held well above the water, setting the stage for the summertime display. In July the flower buds begin to develop until the flowers burst forth for an eight week spectacle, The heady fragrance carried through the garden is a bonus to the stately flowers. As each flower begins to fade, the petals drop off, revealing the exotic seed head, a common component of dried floral arrangements.
The Ultimate size of a lotus is determined not only by the variety itself, but also by water depth, soil volume and fertility. This hardy perennial will give years of enjoyment when provided with nutrition and space. The plant should be given ample soil to allow full development. The new plant should be placed in a ten gallon or larger pot (except small varieties) as shown in the illustration. Care should be taken when handling the tuber to keep the growing point intact and protruding through the soil surface when planting. 
The best soil is a heavy clay loam that will anchor the tuber as it develops. A light layer of gravel is recommended except where the growing tips are. Care must be taken to avoid obstructing the new growth. After planting, the lotus should be placed in water four to ten inches over the soil surface. Once the lotus is established, it will grow well with twelve to eighteen inches of water over the soil the year round.
PLANTING IN SOIL BOTTOM OR NATURAL PONDS IS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO THE INVASIVE NATURE OF THE LOTUS. SPREADING ROOTS MAY TRAVEL THIRTY FEET OR MORE IN A SINGLE SEASON! Pruning or containerizing will not control the size and spread of the lotus in a soil bottom pond. Bare root lotus tubers are shipped in March and April while still dormant. After planting, wait until a new leaf is floating on the surface before fertilizing. Use fertilizer tablets, place two or three near the origin of the new growth the first time the plant is fed. Wait about four weeks and feed again at the recommended rate on the label of the fertilizer. Feed every six to eight weeks until August to encourage large leaves and flowers.
Do You Want a Lotus and Don't Have Room in the Pond?
Sink a pot of lotus into the ground beside the pond or anywhere else in your garden. A lotus planted in a ten gallon pot will over-winter in Zone 6 when buried in the ground to the rim of the pot. Use as large a pot as possible to accommodate the plant. Fill up to two thirds full with soil, leaving the rest of the space for water. Control mosquito larvae by floating a Mosquito Dunk in water each month or put a goldfish or two in the water if there are five gallons or more.
Winter
For the winter, care is simple if the top of the pot is already six to twelve inches below the water level. Simply leave the plant at this depth.(Bowl lotuses will be shallower, and should be put deeper after going completely dormant in November.) This protects the roots that have buried themselves at the bottom of the pot by fall. Place pot deeper in the water if it is not deep enough after removing dead leaves from the plant. Wait until the plant has gone dormant before trimming. The Lotus will remain dormant until after most other aquatic plants are growing. In mid April, the first leaf spikes emerge form the soil and grow to the surface, forming floating leaves once again.
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