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| Native American lotus, Nelumbo lutea, growing naturally in Virginian freshwater. |
Hello all!
Summer is flying by here at Havenwood, with garden plans progressing on most days. We did take a break, however, and enjoy some beach time in Virginia this month. We were able to see some beautiful nature lotus gardens along the way and I knew that you all would enjoy them too!
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| The lotus have multiplied greatly even in the past two years. |
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| This garden is dedicated to a Mrs. Reed who helped to preserve this area. |
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| Each flower is open for about three days, opening in the sun and closing at night. |
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| N. lutea is very similar to Nelumbo nucifera, which is native to Asia and Australia and blooms pink. |
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| Young leaves and seeds (known as "alligator corn") were eaten by Native Americans. |
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| Yellow lotus are hardy to zone 4, as long as their roots are deep enough not to freeze. You might be seeing these at Havenwood sometime in the future. ;) |
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Nelumbo lutea (...go ahead, say it... a very fun name, yes?)
Other lovely gardens we have visited in Virginia:
What a beautiful flower. My hubby wants a pond in our back yard, and this would be lovely. But I wonder if Koi would eat it. Hubby loves Koi. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret! I really do not know, but I would think they could co-exist.
ReplyDelete~Julie
Magnificent photos ♥ ♥ ♥
ReplyDeleteIf I more had some room, I would make a water source with water plants.
Thank you! They are an amazing flower.
Delete~Julie
Julie that is quite a sight...I rarely see this native in the wild.
ReplyDeleteIt really was, Donna. And it is right near the highway. I read that the salt water has stopped infiltrating this area in recent years, so the flowers are taking off like never before.
Delete~Julie
Love those swathes of Lotuses! That last photo, in particular, is simply stunning! I think Virginia must be the best place in the world for gardening! I'm glad you're having a great summer!
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