Common Name: parrot's beak
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Fabaceae
Native Range: Canary Islands
Zone: 10 to 12
Height: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to July
Bloom Description: Red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual, Ground Cover
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12 where it is best grown in light, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some part shade conditions in hot summer climates. North of USDA Zone 10, plants are typically grown as warm weather annuals. Pinch stem ends to promote branching. Plants require excellent soil drainage. Too much or too little watering typically causes foliage drop. Addition of some sand to the soil or potting mix may help promote better drainage. Plants perform best with even moisture, but allow the top of the soil to mostly dry before rewatering. Best flowering occurs in the cool weather of spring and early summer. Plants dislike hot summer temperatures and may stop blooming in summer, particularly when nighttime temperatures remain at high levels. Propagate by stem cuttings. Rooted cuttings or seed may be purchased at some nurseries. Seed should be started indoors about 8-10 weeks prior to the last spring frost date. 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 same year, but not in all cases. Overwinter containers and/or cuttings taken in late summer in cool temperatures (45-55 degrees F.) with bright light and somewhat reduced watering.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lotus berthelotii, commonly called parrot's beak, is a trailing tender perennial or warm weather annual vine that grows to 8" tall but spreads to 2-3' wide or more. Where not winter hardy, it is grown as an annual in containers or hanging baskets. It features soft silver-gray leaves and sharply-contrasting, pea-like, crimson flowers. Leaves are divided into needle-like leaflets (each to 1" long) that are spaced along the stems in attractive whorls (3-7 leaflets per whorl). Stems will spread to 2-3' long or more. Flowers bloom in clusters at the stem ends in spring and early summer. Each flower (to 1" long) is red (maturing to orange red) and sickle-shaped with a prominent beak. Plants are native to the Canary and Cape Verde Islands where they are severely endangered, but this species survives in cultivation. This lotus is totally unrelated to the water lily (Nelumbo) also commonly called lotus.
Genus name comes from the classical Greek name lotos applied to many plants including clover, birds foot trefoil and fenugreek.
Specific epithet honors Sabin Berthelot (1794-1880) who collaborated with P. B. Webb on the natural history of the Canary Islands.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot will occur in poorly drained soils. Leaf spots. Watch for spider mites, mealy bugs and aphids.
Uses
Where winter hardy, it is an excellent small-scale ground cover. Beds, borders, rock gardens. Also may be cascaded over rocky areas or walls. North of USDA Zone 10, it is typically grown in hanging baskets and containers as an annual.