Nelumbo nucifera Hong Bian Yudie - Sacred lotus

Nelumbo nucifera ‘Hong Bian Yudie’, also distributed under the spelling ‘Hongbian Yudie’, is a large-growing Chinese lotus, suited to spacious ponds. This variety bears large single white flowers in summer, held well above the water, on a vigorous plant. Its round, upright, ample foliage gives it a fine presence in a water garden. It is a cultivar only suitable for water features and ponds capable of accommodating its vigour.

The Indian lotus or sacred lotus belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family. The species Nelumbo nucifera is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial, native to a vast area from Asia to northern Australia. It roots in mud or a very clayey substrate. It is easily distinguished from water lilies: in the lotus, both the leaves and the flowers rise above the water on long, rigid petioles, whereas water lilies most often have floating foliage. The lotus's very distinctive floral receptacle, shaped like a watering can rose, is one of the most recognisable characteristics of the genus.

'Hong Bian Yudie’ is a Chinese variety classified as a large lotus. It forms a plant 1.20 m to 1.50 m in height, or even more, depending on growing conditions and available volume. The mature leaves reach 50 to 60 cm in diameter. Their slightly waxy surface allows water to run off without spreading, as with other Nelumbo. Flowering occurs in summer, from June to August. The flowers are single, white, borne high on the plant; their diameter ranges from 15 to 20 cm, with some sources indicating up to 25 cm under very good conditions. This single flower shows the character of the cultivar well: clearly visible from a distance in a large pond. After flowering, the fruit-bearing receptacle develops at the heart of the corolla. As with all hardy lotuses, the foliage yellows in autumn then disappears, while the rhizome enters winter dormancy.

Due to its vigour, this lotus is not intended for mini-ponds. It is best planted in a large, watertight container, wide rather than deep, without drainage holes, to contain the rhizomes and prevent them from colonising the entire pond. For a standard lotus, choose a pot at least 60 cm in diameter; a larger volume produces a stronger plant, with more developed leaves and flowers. It should be filled with a heavy garden soil, clayey or sandy-clayey, low in floating organic matter. The rhizome should be placed almost level with the soil surface, without completely burying the buds.

The exposure must be very sunny. For this cultivar, allow for 20 to 30 cm of water above the substrate. In winter, the pot can remain in place if the pond does not freeze to the bottom; otherwise, lower it closer to the bottom or shelter it from frost, with the pot kept moist.