Lotuses are relatives of water lilies and revered for their spectacularly large blooms and leaves, and musky fragrance. Lotuses are perennial, as long as their tubers do not freeze.

All lotuses are day bloomers. Flowers open for three consecutive days early in the morning and close by mid to late afternoon. Although sun-loving, lotus will bloom in partial shade. A good blooming season requires temperatures of more than 23°C (75°F) for 10 to 12 weeks.

Colours include: white, pink, and changeable. Number of petals, bloom size and leaf size vary in number according to the variety.

Lotuses