Lotus berthelotii (Parrot’s Beak)

Native to the Canary and Cape Verde Islands, Lotus berthelotii (Parrot’s Beak) is a trailing evergreen perennial with soft, silver-gray, needle-like leaves, spaced along the stems in attractive whorls. Hanging like delicate silver chains, they contrast sharply with pea-like, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), bright crimson flowers. Exotic-looking, the blooms resemble parrot beaks, a flower shape believed to be an adaptation for bird pollination. Best flowering occurs in the cool weather of spring and early summer. This plant dislikes hot summer temperatures and may stop blooming in summer, particularly if night temperatures remain at high levels. Lotus berthelotii makes an excellent annual plant in containers or hanging baskets.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 8-12 in. tall (20 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in light, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade in hot summer areas. Too much or too little watering usually causes foliage to drop. This plant performs best with even moisture, but allow the top of the soil to mostly dry before rewatering.
• Deer resistant, but attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Great in containers, and hanging baskets. Perfect in rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, as a small-scale groundcover, or cascading over a wall where winter-hardy.
• Pinch stem ends to promote branching.
• Propagate by stem cuttings or seed. Plants grown from seed will not produce flowers in the same year but are greatly appreciated for their attractive foliage. Plants from cuttings may produce flowers in the same year, but not in all cases.
• No serious insect or disease issues. Watch for root rot in poorly drained soils, leaf spots, spider mites, mealy bugs, and aphids.