Tropicals & Tender Perennials: The Lotus, 1 by bwilliams

bwilliams wrote:
How to grow a lotus. A lotus is a runner type plant and loves to spread. Many people grow them in large koi ponds in pots 3 to 4 ft wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. They can grow and flower like this but will not reach maximum size with out over growing the pot. A lots likes room and a bog type pond is best. These are instructions on how to build lotus bog.

Find a area were the lotus will look good as well as receive a lot of sun. The lotus can reach 4 to 6 ft tall and I usually have them near other water features. Edge the area out to give a view of the shape and size you would want. I usually do a oval type shape something about 4 to 8 ft wide and 8 to 12 ft long or longer. The smallest I would suggest is 4x4 but the larger the more dramatic. I dig the bog down about 8inches and then going in about 1 to 2 ft dig out another 8 inches. This gives the large tubers a place to be protected in case of a really hard winter your plant will not die out. After dug out level off the top. I use a long 2x4 piece of wood and a level to get it as close as possible. Once done place your liner in the bog. You may get some wrinkles around the edges try to fold them over as best as possible. Then you can place large flat rocks around the perimeter and pebbles in-between and around the edge usually 8 inches around the rocks to cover any liner exposed. Once done I use the dirt dug out to feel in the center deeper area and a bit extra as the air will be taken out so a few extra inches. Once done place your lotus tuber or plant in the center. I usually add a few fertilizer tablets at this time to either side of the plant usually 8 inches away from were it was planted. Then add water if you find some areas leaking before it is completely full remove the large rock and add dirt or sand under the liner till it is completely level. Once all is done wait a few days and add menos or feeder gold fish. This prevents mosquitos from infecting the bog. After this the plant will fill the bog up and you will most likely not even seen the water. Though it is dead stagnate water the plant survives as will the fish and the water does not seem to sour for any of my bogs. It is extremely easy and is less maintenance than ponds or waterfalls