Nelumbo Nucifera 'Sparks' Lotus
Best compact aquatic plant for small water gardens and patio bowls.
Discover the 'Sparks' Lotus, a delightful micro lotus variety perfect for enhancing small ponds and water bowls. This aquatic plant features charming single petals in a soft light red with a vibrant yellow center, reminiscent of a candle flame. Its lush green foliage and prolific blooming habit, often showcasing multiple flowers simultaneously, add elegance to any outdoor water feature. Supplied as a bare root, this fast-growing lotus is easy to care for and reaches a manageable height of up to 2 feet, bringing a splash of color and beauty to your water garden.
$38.19
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
+106%
Above average
Scientific Name
Nelumbo Nucifera 'Sparks'
/ Nelumbo Nucifera 'Sparks'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic visual centerpiece for their pond
- Pond owners wanting consistent, long-lasting summer color
- Fish keepers looking to improve water quality and habitat
Who should skip it
- People with shaded gardens lacking direct sunlight
- Gardeners in cold climates avoiding high-maintenance winter storage
- Owners of small water features with limited space
Performance breakdown
Container Suitability
Perfectly scaled for small water bowls and compact patio ponds.
Bloom Prolificacy
Frequent, multi-flower displays provide consistent color throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Ease
Fast-growing and resilient, requiring minimal intervention for healthy development.
Climate Versatility
Impressive hardiness range allows for successful growth across most regions.
Visual Impact
Striking flame-like coloration creates an immediate focal point in water features.
Establishment Speed
Rapid rhizome growth ensures quick transition from bare root to foliage.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Nelumbo Nucifera 'Sparks'
Packaging Type
Bare Root
Mature Height
24 inches
Hardiness Zones
4-11
Salinity Tolerance
Freshwater
Intended Environment
Outdoor Pond
Growth Form
Rosette
Growth Rate
Fast
Features
- Compact micro lotus for bowls
- Single-petal flower design
- Abundant blooming with multiple flowers
- Attractive light red and yellow coloration
- Easy care and low maintenance
- Fast-growing aquatic plant
- Suitable for outdoor ponds
- Grows up to 2 feet tall
What customers say
Customers rave about the 'Sparks' Lotus, highlighting its exceptional quality and ease of growth. The plant arrives in excellent condition, ready for planting, and establishes quickly even for beginners. Its robust nature ensures rapid development of vibrant foliage, making it a reliable choice for adding dramatic beauty to water features. This plant's thriving performance confirms its value, providing a rewarding experience for pond keepers seeking impressive results with minimal fuss. The initial investment proves worthwhile for the stunning visual impact it delivers.
Know before you buy
Yes, this is a micro lotus variety specifically bred to thrive in compact spaces like water bowls or small patio ponds. Its manageable size makes it an ideal choice for container gardening.
You should plant the rhizome in a heavy, clay-based soil within a shallow aquatic pot. Ensure the growing tips are pointed upward and covered with a thin layer of soil, then submerge the pot in your water feature.
The 'Sparks' Lotus is hardy in zones 4 through 11. In colder regions, you must ensure the rhizome remains below the pond's freeze line or move the container to a frost-free area during winter.
No CO2 is required for this plant. However, because it is a fast-growing bloomer, it will benefit from regular aquatic fertilizer tabs placed in the soil during the growing season to support its prolific flowering.
For optimal growth and consistent blooming, this lotus requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place your container in a bright, sunny spot to ensure the plant receives enough energy to produce its signature red and yellow flowers.
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Ready to buy?
$38