All lotus flowers originate from only two types: the Nelumbo nucifera, or East Indian lotus, and the Nelumbo lutea, or American lotus. Careful hybridizing over many years resulted in the variety of lotus flowers available to gardeners today.
American Lotus
Commonly called yellow lotus or water-chinquapin, this species of lotus sports delicate yellow flowers of up to 10 inches across. Their generous size grants these flowers the title of the largest blooms in North America.
Sacred Lotus
The sacred lotus of East India, or Nelumbo nucifera, grows pink or white blooms that can reach diameters of up to 13 inches. In many parts of Asia people boil the roots to add to soups, or simply consume the seeds raw.
Angel Wings
A recent lotus cultivar presents delicate white petals that curl and point towards the seed pod, resembling the wings of angels. These flowers grow to less than nine inches in diameter and rarely reach higher than four feet.
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