Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
LOTUS berthelotii
Plant Common Name
Parrot's Beak, Winged Pea
General Description
The flowers of this tropical trailing evergreen perennial are colorful and unusual. They are bright red and/or gold and have a sharp protruding beak-like petal, which is this plant’s commonly called parrot’s beak or parrot vine.
Lotus berthelotii is native to the warm, dry Canary Islands, which exist off the coast of northwestern Africa. It bears feathery silvery-green foliage on low trailing stems. In spring and summer it produces curious beaked flowers that are scarlet, orange-red or gold. and remarkably contrast its silvery foliage.
Plant this touch tropical in full sun and average, sharply drained soil. It is most commonly planted in containers, sunny Oceanside gardens or rock gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm (8)
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Width
12"-36" / 30.5cm - 91.4cm (36)
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Canary Islands
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Prostrate/Trailing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Gold, Orange Red
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green, Silver
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Bark Color
Gray Green, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
