We grew them in Zone 6 (NJ), with out a problem. We moved them into the deep end of the pond in the winter to hibernate and in spring, they would start making those lovely leaves. They bloomed in the summer. I think they should be fine for you.

I have an Oriental lotus (Mdm Marie Slocum, I think) in my pond that has bloomed every year. The only real problem is that the leaves are so large they are like sails and any wind flips the plant into the deep end of the pond. By far they are the most prety and exotic thing in our garden and well worth the effort. There are some American native lotuses that may be able to withstand your winters if the oriental vatieties succomb. But if a Oriental lotus can survive in Chicago and presumably NJ, I think you should be ok.

Thank you both for your information. I will get started as soon as possible and hope to grow these magnificent plants.

There is a large plant in the Vienna Botanic Gardens and it is colder there than in Belgium. Two important rules; 1. Try and get a hardy variety and not a plant imported from Thailand. Some garden centres in Belgium do sell them. 2. Put a large dark pot in the centre of the pond and plant the lotus in there. The top of the pot should only be about 15-20 cm below the water surface. this will heat up much faster than the entire pond and makes all the difference.
Rafaël

Thank you Mentha33, for your information. I have been looking for garden centres here in Belgium that sell lotuses, but haven't found one yet. I will look a bit harder

thanks

Yves