New Brocade Lotus – Tuber

The New Brocade Lotus (Nymphaea ‘New Brocade’) is a show-stopping aquatic plant that transforms any water garden, pond, or container into a beautiful oasis. Known for its striking multicolor blooms, this hardy water lily features petals in shades of pink, lavender, and white, creating a mesmerizing ombre effect. Its elegant, wide, and rounded leaves provide a lush backdrop, adding visual interest both above and below the water surface. The New Brocade Lotus is a hybrid variety of the traditional lotus, carefully cultivated for its exceptional beauty, vigor, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.

Ideal for ponds, water gardens, or even large containers, the New Brocade Lotus is a stunning centerpiece that is easy to care for. As a hardy aquatic plant, it thrives in full sun and provides a peaceful, tranquil vibe, blooming from spring to fall and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner looking to create your own water garden, this lotus plant is a must-have for bringing both beauty and serenity to your outdoor space.

Key Features:

• Bloom Color: Gorgeous, multicolor blooms that feature a blend of pink, lavender, and white petals, creating a striking ombre effect.
• Growth Habit: The New Brocade Lotus grows in a compact, low-maintenance manner, with wide, round leaves that float on the surface of the water, adding a serene backdrop to your pond or container.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from spring to fall, with each flower lasting up to 3-4 days before new flowers emerge.
• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for at least 4-6 hours a day to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
• Size: Typically grows to about 2-3 feet in diameter, making it suitable for medium to large ponds or containers.
• Water Requirements: Thrives in shallow to moderately deep water, making it a perfect addition to ponds or water features with up to 12 inches of water depth.
• Hardiness Zone: Best suited for USDA zones 4-11, this hardy lotus can withstand colder temperatures during the winter months in temperate climates.

Care Instructions for New Brocade Lotus

Light: The New Brocade Lotus thrives in full sun and requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal blooming. The more sunlight the plant receives, the more vibrant and prolific the flowers will be. Ensure your water feature is placed in a sunny spot where the lotus can soak up the light.

Watering: As an aquatic plant, the New Brocade Lotus requires water at all times. It grows best in shallow to moderately deep water, typically between 6 inches to 12 inches deep. If you’re growing the lotus in a container, make sure the container is filled with water, and maintain consistent water levels to keep the roots submerged. Ensure the water is free of excess chlorine, as it can harm the plant.

Soil: Use aquatic or pond-specific soil that is nutrient-rich but well-draining. Avoid using regular garden soil, as it may contain chemicals or additives harmful to aquatic plants. Place the soil in a large, heavy container or planting basket to anchor the roots and prevent the plant from floating away. Make sure the soil is kept submerged to a depth that allows the plant to grow and spread naturally.

Temperature: The New Brocade Lotus thrives in warm temperatures and is best suited for environments that stay above 65°F (18°C). In colder climates, the lotus will die back in the winter but will regrow the following spring if the roots are kept in water that does not freeze. If you’re in a cooler climate, consider bringing the lotus indoors or placing it in a greenhouse during the winter months to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Fertilization: For optimal growth and blooming, fertilize your New Brocade Lotus with an aquatic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Fertilizers designed for water lilies or lotuses provide the nutrients necessary to encourage large blooms and healthy root development. Avoid using granular fertilizers, as they can clog up the soil and contaminate the water.

Pruning: Pruning is minimal for the New Brocade Lotus. You can remove any dead or yellowing leaves or spent flowers to maintain the plant’s appearance and to prevent the plant from expending energy on decaying matter. If you notice that the lotus is becoming too large for its space, you can trim back the outer leaves to keep the plant within bounds. However, avoid cutting back too much, as the leaves provide essential shade and protection for the roots.

Winter Care: In colder climates, the New Brocade Lotus can be left in the pond during the winter, as long as the water does not freeze completely. If necessary, move the plant to a deeper part of the pond to keep it from freezing. In areas where the pond may freeze, you can overwinter the lotus indoors in a cool, bright location, ensuring the roots remain submerged.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How deep should I plant my New Brocade Lotus in water?
A: The New Brocade Lotus grows best in shallow to moderately deep water, with a recommended depth of 6 inches to 12 inches. If you are planting it in a pond or water feature, ensure that the roots are submerged while keeping the plant’s leaves above the water surface.

Q: Can I grow the New Brocade Lotus in a container?
A: Yes, the New Brocade Lotus can be grown in a container. Choose a large container or planting basket and fill it with aquatic soil. Keep the container submerged in a pond or water garden, making sure the water level remains consistent. A container is a great option if you don’t have a pond, as long as it’s large enough to accommodate the lotus’ growth.

Q: Does the New Brocade Lotus need full sun?
A: Yes, the New Brocade Lotus thrives in full sun and requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal blooming. If planted in a shadier area, it may still grow, but the plant will likely produce fewer blooms.

Q: How often should I fertilize my New Brocade Lotus?
A: During the growing season (spring through fall), fertilize your New Brocade Lotus every 4-6 weeks with an aquatic fertilizer designed for water lilies and lotuses. This will promote healthy growth and vibrant flowers. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant.

Q: Can the New Brocade Lotus survive in cold climates?
A: The New Brocade Lotus is a hardy plant that can tolerate mild winters, especially if the roots are kept submerged in water that does not freeze. In colder climates, you can overwinter the plant indoors in a cool, bright location or in a greenhouse. Alternatively, keep the lotus in the deeper part of the pond where it is less likely to freeze.

Q: How do I keep my New Brocade Lotus blooming?
A: To keep your New Brocade Lotus blooming, ensure it receives full sun for at least 4-6 hours a day and maintain consistent water levels. Fertilize regularly during the growing season, and remove spent flowers to encourage fresh blooms.