How Fast Do Lotus Grow?

Growth Rates Explained

• Several types of plants are commonly called “lotus”; often, plants botanically classed as a water lily are also called lotus. Regardless of their plant family, all have relatively fast growth rates, with the exception of the native American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), which is described as having a medium growth rate. A medium growth rate for perennial plants like lotus and water lily equates to about a foot of new growth per year; plants rated as rapid growers put on a foot or more of new vegetation each year.

American Lotus

• North America’s native lotus grows across a wide swath of the United States, being hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 10. Its main requirement is having an aquatic environment in which to grow -- in other words, a calm body of water, like a pond, more than 6 inches deep year-round. Planting American lotus in areas where water freezes even at this depth are not suitable, since the plant will die if its roots freeze. Typical of lotus plants, American lotus holds its leaves above water, and its flowers are an understated buttery yellow, but large and showy. Plants can take several years to bloom when started from seed. It grows more slowly than its non-native cousins, but still prefers plenty of room to wander, as it will spread by new tubers in the muddy pond bottoms where it is planted.

Asian Lotus

• Revered from antiquity in China and India, the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is the larger, showier and more aggressive cousin of the native American lotus. It is a rapid grower, and is considered invasive in some areas. If sacred lotus is to be located near sensitive areas, experts recommend planting it in containers to restrict its spread. Containers need to be free of holes, as sacred lotus will send runners through any perforations to spread. It is reliably hardy from USDA zones 5 through 10, or zone 4 in protected areas where its roots will not freeze. Like native lotus, it needs to grow in a completely aquatic environment with its roots submerged. It is much showier, with larger leaves up to 2 feet in diameter, and striking pink 12-inch flowers. Sacred lotus can also be slow to flower when started from seed, two years or more. The prominent central seed cone is often dried and used in floral arrangements.

Lotus of Ancient Egypt

• The sacred blue lotus of ancient Egypt is not a lotus at all, but rather a type of water lily (Nymphaea caerulea). Water lilies are often mistaken for lotus because they both feature very large, colorful and showy flowers, and grow in still waters with mucky bottoms. Apart from its striking purplish and blue hues, the sacred Egyptian lotus also lacks the distinctive seed cone of true lotus plants, as well as sporting leaves with a cut on one side rather than the complete circle of lotus leaves. Like most water lilies, it is a rapid grower and can cover an area of 6 feet square a year after becoming established. Sacred blue lotus is only hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12 and must be brought indoors to overwinter in most areas.