THE rare sacred lotus has blossomed at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate, in what is believed to be the first time so far north.
Also known as the Egyptian bean, Indian lotus and bean of India, the sacred lotus - Nelumbo nucifera - features flowers flushed with pink which are expected to fade to pale yellow before showing off its iconic cup-shaped seed pod.
Gardeners believe the lotus has bloomed thanks to the recent hot weather, creating the perfect conditions. It is hoped it will last for 4-5 days, with more buds expected to follow.
Manager Kathleen Musgrove said: "We thought that we’d try it this year, but without any real hope of success as we never usually see sustained temperatures of over 20C here."
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