I'm about an hour south of Lakeland and have no troubles growing lotus, even in the FL summer. Granted our climate isn't as moderate as that of the mid-Atlantic states, but with a couple adjustments, it isn't a hindrance either. My lotus ponds are largely unshaded, but what I do to moderate the effects of heat is make sure the tuber has plenty of soil...I keep mine in 5-6" of compacted soil. And all the ponds (I use liners)are dug so the tubers are below ground level. The surrounding soil acts as insulation to prevent the soil temp in the ponds from getting too high. So assuming you are going to bury your pre-form, you should have no troubles at all. If you have any questions...don't hesitate to ask.

If you're in Texas, it should be growing by now. When you got it 4 years ago, was it already in a pot or did you plant a tuber? I'm sure it must need repoted. Just turn it over in the yard, and you'll see lots of fat banana-like tubers. Pick one that has several eyes/sprouts on it, and cut it off with plenty of tuber with it. Fill your container back up with soil, and lay the tuber on it, anchoring it gently with a rock or a landscape staple. Gently put some stones on the soil (if you want.....not completely necessary), and put it back under the water a couple inches. Lotus require at least 6 hours of sun. Also, they require alot of fertizer, after they have several leaves. You should fertilize it at least once a month. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Please read the link to my fertilizing recipe, and most questions will be answered. But like any recipe, if you don't follow it exactly, such as using straight cow manure, disasters can result. Please don't blame me on your mistake(s)! kyponder posted the link above. Thanks kyponder! I try to repot every year. When I don't (like the last 2 years) because of my cancer battle, I just leave them be. They do OK and bloom a bit but by Mid August they are done and looking hungry. But my health comes first. This year I have had a chance to repot most. The others that were not repotted, I made four 12" deep holes with the handle of a shovel (equidistant from each other like north, south, east, west) and added about 1/8 cup in each, then stuffed them closed with my homemade compost and stopped off with a rock. I do not use plant spikes, tabs, tomato spikes, whatver the stuff is that is NOT time/temp senstive, so it dissolves too quickly and ends up causing fertilizer burn. And besides most people do not push them in deep enough, seal them off well enough, and a lot seeps out and causes algae blooms. It's also a lot more expensive to use spikes/tabs than my once a season Osmocote application. This is why I do the once a season Osmocote method. Saves time, money and work! :) But each to his own. Do what makes you happy, what works for you. My method seems to be working for me, as you can see from my photos. I am happy with it! :)

I don't know if you will consider Green Maiden a dwarf but it's a small variety. Please let me know if you would like to trade for your Evening Shower. For some reason I'm (and others) are not getting emails that are being sent thru Gardenweb so please email me. Thanks, Bonnie butterflysarebeautiful hotmail.com