How to Grow Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus
Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus
Nelumbo nucifera 'Mrs. Perry D. Slocum'
flowerMrs. Perry D. Slocum is a stunning cultivar of sacred lotus known for its bi-color flowers that open yellow and gradually shift to pink-red over 3-4 days. This aquatic perennial produces large, dramatic blooms up to 10-12 inches across and distinctive circular leaves that emerge above the water surface. It thrives in warm water gardens and ponds, creating a striking focal point with both flowers and ornamental seed pods.
When should you plant Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus in your zone?
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Example Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-10; can survive zone 6b with winter protection
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Get my Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Sprouting
4-6 weeksTubers remain dormant over winter; shoots emerge in spring when water temperature reaches 60°F
Keep tubers in cool, moist conditions over winter. Start in spring once soil warms; plant tubers in containers with heavy soil in pond
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksUnderwater stems elongate; distinctive circular leaves unfurl above water surface, developing waxy coating and upturned rims
Ensure adequate fertilizer; keep water warm and stable. Remove any floating leaves as plant transitions to upright growth
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksLarge flower buds emerge on long stems above foliage, appearing as oval protrusions at stem tips
Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks. Protect buds from wind damage; maintain consistent water level
Flowering
4-6 weeks of continuous floweringSpectacular blooms open yellow on day 1-2, gradually shift to pink on day 3-4, displaying golden stamens. Flowers open morning to mid-afternoon
Admire blooms; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain warm water and fertilizer schedule. Flowers last 3-4 days per bloom
Seed Pod Development & Decline
6-8 weeksAfter petals fall, distinctive seed pods develop—flat, disc-like structures with 15-20 seeds in individual chambers, ornamental through fall
Allow pods to mature and dry if desired for seed collection or ornamental display. Reduce fertilizing in late season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; encourage water birds; in small ponds, hand-pick beetles; treat with neem oil spray approved for aquatic plants
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Remove heavily mined leaves; ensure good water circulation and aeration; avoid overfertilizing which encourages soft new growth
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; in ponds, gentle water spray is often sufficient
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Allow pods to dry completely; remove infested pods; in ornamental ponds, accept minor damage as part of natural ecology
Uses
Seed and Root Cuisine
CulinaryLotus seeds are prized in Asian cuisine, eaten raw, roasted, or processed into flour; rhizomes/tubers are harvested and used as a starchy vegetable. The plant offers multiple edible parts including young leaves and flower buds in traditional cooking. [source]
Traditional & Modern Medicine
MedicinalNelumbo nucifera has been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years for its cooling properties, heart health benefits, and sleep promotion. Seeds, leaves, and roots all contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Water Garden Centerpiece
HouseholdThe Mrs. Perry D. Slocum cultivar's exceptional bi-color blooms make it the premier ornamental lotus for water gardens and ponds. Its dramatic color transition and large, fragrant flowers create a stunning focal point that blooms continuously for months. [source]
Dried Seed Pods & Floral Design
CraftMature lotus seed pods are highly valued in floral design and dried flower arrangements for their striking sculptural form and natural geometric beauty. They serve as natural decorative elements and can be painted or left natural. [source]
Aquatic Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeLotus provides essential habitat for aquatic insects, dragonflies, and other pond fauna while the flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The plant creates structural diversity in water gardens that benefits the entire aquatic ecosystem. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers early in the morning for arrangements (stems are long and flexible). For seed pods, allow them to dry completely on the plant—once brown and hard, cut them and allow further drying indoors before collecting seeds. Seed viability is highest when pods are completely mature (late summer/fall). Seeds can be stored dry for several years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Mrs. Perry D. Slocum cultivar is a sterile hybrid that produces no viable seeds, but compensates with exceptional flower production and vigor—making it preferred for ornamental ponds where continuous blooming without aggressive self-seeding is desired.
- 🌱 Lotus flowers demonstrate remarkable thermoregulation; the flower can maintain temperatures 12-35°C above ambient water temperature through metabolic heat generation, which helps attract pollinators and may aid in self-pollination.
- 🌱 Sacred lotus has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and holds profound spiritual significance in Buddhism and Hinduism, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth—the Mrs. Perry D. Slocum cultivar brings this ancient symbolism into modern ornamental gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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