Parrot Beak Plant
Parrots Beak is an herbaceous perennial in the bean family. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. In hot climates, it will accept partial shade in the afternoons. It is grown as an annual north of zone 10 and does best if it pinched back to encourage bushy growth.
An unusual evergreen ground cover plant, Lotus berthelotii is commonly called ‘Parrot Beak’. It is from the Canary Islands and is a perennial.
Best grown in warm position in full sun to a little afternoon shade.mFlower colour tends to vary a lille, most are red to orange, however some are a more scarlet red.
How To Grow Lotus berthelotii – Basic Care
A very hardy plant once established, it does require a well drained soil and needs a frost free position to thrive.
Temperature
Maintaining a moderate temperature range is the best way to grow this plant. It does not like cold temperatures and does not like hot temperatures either.
Temperatures that fall bellow 7C or rise above 30C can cause problems. Aim for around 25C.
Flowering is mainly in spring to early summer. Warm days with a nighttime drop in temperatures is need for consistent flowering.
Watering
Watering also needs to be consistent, moist soil, never wet and soggy and never really dry works well.
Soil
It grows well in an open free draining potting mix. A succulent or fine orchid type potting mix will usually be suitable.
Landscaping Uses
This is a trailing plant with silvery grey green foliage and brilliant red or ‘Fluro’ orange flowers it is a great plant for hanging baskets.
Lotus berthelotii also works well when grown along a retaining wall and allowed to cascade over the edge.
Over time Lotus berthelotii or ‘Parrot Beak’ will reach around .4m in height, however it will trail and spread over 1.m – 1.5.
This a versatile plant, it can be grown outdoors in the garden, indoors, in hanging baskets or in pots, all depending on the climate zone.