Zhongshan Hongtai

Nelumbo nucifera

HOT WEATHER NEEDED! We recommend this gorgeous lotus for Zones 8B, 9 & 10 only

Averaging more than 315 petals per flower with large red large petaloids in the center, this massive purple-violet flower is really one of a kind. Some of the petaloids will have a green/yellow stripe for extra flair.  'Zhongshan Duplicate Red' is a duplicate-petaled flower which generally means it will not produce seeds but the flowers are exquisite! They also make great cut flowers because they hold their petals several days longer than most lotus varieties.

Flower Color: Red (Violet Purple)
Plant Height: Tall, 48” and taller
Flower Type: Multi-petal/Thousand Petal, many more than 50 petals
Pot Size: 20” and wider, 12”-18” deep  

The flowers of this lotus cultivar are so big and heavy that they need extra dirt (at least 8" - 10") in the pot so that the stems are supported enough to stand up without falling to the side.

How do I fertilize lotus?
When do I fertilize my lotus?

Choose a good fertilizer such as Waterlily World Tablets, Pondtabbs or Landon’s Aquatic Fertilizer and follow the instructions carefully.  Begin adding fertilizer when the plant has produced two or more floating leaves.

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 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 tubers.