Alphabetical Plant Listing

Lotus berthelotii (Parrot's Beak)

Parrot's Beak, Coral Gem, Cat Claw, Pigeon Beak, Pelican 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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 12
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Climbers, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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etfoto / 123RF Stock Photo, Debra Lee

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 12
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Climbers, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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