Nelumbo Nucifera 'Empress' Lotus
Best statement piece for medium to large pond owners.
The Empress Lotus, scientifically known as Nelumbo nucifera 'Empress', is a striking aquatic plant featuring large, pure white single-petal flowers with a distinctive jagged purple picotee. This unusual purple coloring extends to the bud, adding to its visual appeal. The flowers are held high above the foliage, creating a dazzling display in any pond setting. This bare-root lotus is a beautiful addition to outdoor water gardens, offering a unique splash of color and elegance.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 955
#3 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+116%
Above average
Scientific Name
Nelumbo Nucifera 'Empress'
/ Nelumbo Nucifera 'Empress'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic centerpiece for their water feature
- Pond owners wanting quick, lush surface coverage
- Flower enthusiasts desiring long-lasting summer color
Who should skip it
- Owners of small containers or limited pond space
- Busy hobbyists looking for a low-maintenance plant
- Gardeners living in regions with harsh, freezing winters
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Large, dramatic blooms create an immediate focal point for any pond.
Hardiness Range
Exceptional versatility across zones 4 through 11 ensures broad regional adaptability.
Planting Ease
Dormant bare-root tubers simplify the initial setup for most pond owners.
Maintenance Demand
Moderate care requirements necessitate consistent attention to light and water depth.
Growth Potential
Reaches impressive heights of five feet, providing substantial vertical garden structure.
Environmental Specificity
Requires high light exposure and specific depth to reach full potential.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Nelumbo Nucifera 'Empress'
Packaging
Bare Root Tuber
Hardiness Zones
4-11
Bloom Size
8-10 inches
Mature Height
Up to 4-5 feet
Water Depth
Up to 2 feet
Growth Rate
Moderate
Plant Form
Rhizome Plant
Features
- Striking white blooms with red streaks
- Large, 8-10 inch semi-double flowers
- Grows up to 5 feet tall
- Ideal for medium to large ponds
- Suitable for water depths up to 2 feet
- Dormant bare-root tuber for easy planting
- Requires moderate care and high light
What customers say
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, centered on the plant's quality and reliability. Customers consistently praise the exceptional health of the 'Empress' Lotus upon arrival, noting the robust packaging ensures viability. The primary theme is reliability; users report rapid establishment and successful growth, often seeing impressive leaf development quickly. This high success rate validates the purchase, making it a trusted choice for pond enthusiasts seeking reliable aquatic flora.
Know before you buy
Plant the tuber in a heavy, aquatic-safe soil mix within a wide, shallow container. Ensure the growing tips are pointing upward and are just barely covered by the soil, then slowly submerge the pot in your pond to the recommended depth.
This lotus requires high light, meaning it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Without sufficient light, the plant will struggle to produce its signature large blooms.
Because the Empress Lotus can reach heights of up to 5 feet, it is best suited for medium to large ponds. If you are using a container, ensure it is large enough to accommodate the plant's vigorous growth and heavy foliage.
The Empress Lotus is hardy in zones 4 through 11. In colder regions, ensure the tuber is submerged deep enough in the pond so that the soil does not freeze solid during the winter months.
You should aim for a water depth of up to 2 feet above the top of the pot. If your pond is deeper, you can use bricks or a plant stand to elevate the container to the correct level.
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