Butterfly to the Moon

 Die Yu Wang Shu

Nelumbo nucifera

Flower Color: Versicolor
Plant Height: Tall, 48” and taller
Flower Type: Multi-petal, more than 50 petals
Pot Size: 18” and wider, 10”-18” deep

Butterflies to the Moon (蝶恋月 · Die Yu Wang Shu)

Butterflies to the Moon is a large, magnificent lotus with an abundance of creamy white petals delicately brushed with soft pink. The many-layered blooms have a wonderfully full, almost peony-like appearance, with the inner petals creating a beautifully ruffled center. As the flowers open, subtle touches of pink add an elegant blush to the otherwise luminous blooms.

This is a frequent and generous bloomer, producing its spectacular flowers repeatedly throughout the season. With its large stature, lush foliage, and graceful, full blossoms, Butterflies to the Moon makes an impressive statement in any water garden.

What a joy this variety is to grow. It is full of flowers from late spring to late summer. The flowers are a lovely shade of light pink on the first day and slowly changes to white. They are large, very well organized and perfect for a cut bouquet to enjoy inside. 

How do I fertilize lotus? When do I begin to fertilize lotus?

Wait until the lotus plant has several floating leaves or begins to put up aerial leaves before adding fertilizer. Choose a good fertilizer such as Pondtabbs or Landon’s Aquatic Fertilizer and follow the instructions carefully. The amount of fertilizer to use is usually based on the size of the pot and the amount of soil in the pot. For example, most of the small tablets are added at a ratio of 1-2 tablets per gallon of soil in the pot. Once the lotus has started to grow vigorously tablets can be added every 2-3 weeks. Stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the lotus to use up all the fertilizer in the pot before going dormant. This encourages the lotus to form better rhizomes.