Ancient Capital ‘New Palace’ (Deep Red Single-Petal Lotus)

Our pick for the 2026 Lotus of the Year—a statuesque, classic single bloom in the deepest electric red we’ve seen. In U.S. listings you’ll also see this marketed as “Ancient Capitol Red Palace” (spelling varies). Expect tall stems, many blooms, and flowers held well above the leaves for show-stopping display.

Why you’ll love it

• Color & form: deep, velvety red, single flower (under 25 petals).

• Vigor: reliably tall (≈48"+), with frequent blooms on strong stalks.

• Pedigree: part of the “Ancient Capital” line of modern Chinese lotus cultivars—documented in China as 古都绛房 (Ancient Capital Red Palace)—celebrated for its saturated crimson tones. (Name translations vary in English.)

What you’ll need

• PondGro™ Loam Planting Soil (true loam; no fluffy potting mix).

• A wide, round, watertight container— 20–24"+ across, no holes. Bigger pot = bigger plant.

• Aquatic plant fertilizer tablets (for later—don’t use yet).

• Full, direct sun all day (lotus need it to bloom).

Light sarcasm interlude: Lotus as houseplants? Cute idea, but no. Your kitchen window is not the Yangtze Delta. Keep them outdoors in full sun.

Planting (simple 7-step guide)

1. Wait for warmth. Plant outdoors when night temps stay above ~50°F.

2. Fill the pot with PondGro loam (true topsoil/loam). Do not use potting soil—it floats and starves rhizomes.
   

3. Place in full sun and keep water above the soil at all times.

4. Set the tuber gently on a shallow trench, growing tips up; leave the cut “tail” just above water for the first few days. Don’t bury the tips.

5. Slowly raise water level or add water to 3-5 inches above the soil surface.

6. Set the tuber gently on a shallow trench, growing tips up; leave the cut “tail” just above water for the first few days. Don’t bury the tips.

7. As standing (aerial) leaves appear, raise water depth gradually (most standards thrive with 2–4" over soil early, up to 6–12" later).

8. Begin fertilizing only after aerial leaves appear; feed every 2–3 weeks in season, then stop in late summer so the plant hardens off for dormancy.

Care & size at a glance

• Sun: Full direct all day sun (8+ hours).

• Mature size: 3-6 feet tall if planted properly by mid summer. 

• Pot: 20"–48" diameter recommended for large lotus.

• Water depth: Keep 3–5" above soil initially; deeper (to ~12") is fine once vigorous, but shallower water warms faster in spring.

• Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 5–10; even colder regions can overwinter if rhizomes are kept below the ice line (don’t let tubers freeze).

Shipping & holding your tuber

We ship fresh lotus tubers in spring, right before ideal planting time. If yours arrives a bit early, refrigerate undisturbed (vegetable drawer, sealed bag) until your nights are reliably warm. Do not freeze.

Friendly warnings (quick wins)

• Don’t fertilize until you see standing aerial pads—early feed can burn new growth.

• Never cut leaves or flower stalks below water level (lotus use stems to move oxygen to roots).

• With big koi, cover soil with stones or give lotus their own space so fish don’t dig.

What makes “New Palace” special?

Think classic, historic-red lotus vibes with modern breeding vigor—dense color, single-petal elegance, and lots of blooms. It’s the style gardeners love from the “Ancient Capital / Red Palace” line, now curated for U.S. containers with clear, step-by-step instructions and PondGro™ to set you up for success.