Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii)

Overview

Lotus berthelotii, commonly known as Parrot’s beak, is a captivating sight in the garden, prized for its unique, contrasting features. This trailing vine brings soft, silver-gray foliage that beautifully sets off its sharply-contrasting, crimson, pea-like flowers, which terminate in a distinct beak shape. While it is a tender perennial capable of surviving winters in warmer regions, many gardeners north of Zone 10 successfully cultivate it as a vibrant warm-weather annual.

The aesthetic appeal of Parrot’s beak lies in its texture and color combination. The needle-like leaflets create a dense, attractive whorled pattern along the spreading stems, making it an excellent choice for adding cascading drama to containers or sunny borders. Its best performance occurs during the cooler periods of spring and early summer before intense summer heat sets in.

As a species native to the Canary Islands, this Lotus berthelotii thrives where conditions match its preference for light, quick-draining soil and abundant sunshine. Gardeners appreciate its relatively low maintenance when established correctly, provided drainage, which is crucial, is managed effectively.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Fabaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Canary Islands
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: May to July
• Bloom Description: Red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For establishment, plant Lotus berthelotii where it will receive full sun—though partial shade is tolerated in the hottest climates. It demands light, well-drained soil; excellent soil drainage is paramount, as poor drainage quickly leads to root rot. If your soil is heavy, amend it with sand or grit when planting containers or garden beds to ensure water moves away swiftly.

Watering requires attention; the plant performs best with even moisture, but you must allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely before rewatering. Both overwatering and underwatering typically result in leaf drop, so monitor conditions closely, especially when grown as an annual in hanging baskets. Pinch the ends of the stems periodically to encourage bushier growth and fuller coverage.

In tropical and subtropical regions (Zones 10-12), maintenance involves managing its spread and recognizing its peak bloom cycle, which favors cool spring and early summer weather. North of Zone 10, treat Lotus berthelotii as a summer annual. If you wish to save it, take stem cuttings in late summer and overwinter them indoors in cool, bright conditions (around 45-55°F) with slightly reduced watering.

Propagation is readily achieved via stem cuttings, which may flower in their first season. If starting from seed, begin indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date, though these plants will prioritize foliage development that first year.

Landscape Uses

Whether used as a permanent feature or a seasonal delight, the trailing habit of Parrot’s beak makes it an outstanding textural component. Where winter hardy, it functions as an excellent, small-scale ground cover, gently spilling over retaining walls or rockeries, softening harsh edges beautifully. You can also integrate it into mixed perennial beds or borders, using its silver foliage to provide contrast against darker greens or vibrant flowers.

For non-hardy locations, Lotus berthelotii excels in hanging baskets and mixed containers. Its spreading nature allows it to trail dramatically over the sides, creating a living waterfall of silver and red. Pair it with upright plants featuring deep green or purple foliage that will complement the bright, unusual flowers of the Parrot’s beak.

Consider planting it near walkways or patios where its subtle texture can be appreciated up close. The flower clusters, blooming heavily in spring, provide a long season of unique color before the peak heat of summer arrives, making it a fantastic transitional planting.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

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. It features soft silver-gray leaves and sharply-contrasting, pea-like, crimson flowers, with each flower being sickle-shaped with a prominent beak. Plants are native to the Canary and Cape Verde Islands where they are severely endangered, yet this species thrives in cultivation worldwide.

Tolerances

• No serious insect or disease problems.

Potential Problems

The primary concern for Lotus berthelotii is root rot, which occurs rapidly if the required excellent soil drainage is not provided. Cultural issues, such as improper watering, often lead to foliage drop rather than pest infestation. Gardeners should watch for common soft-bodied pests, including spider mites, mealy bugs, and aphids, especially when growing the plants under stressed conditions indoors over winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Parrot’s beak suitable for?

Lotus berthelotii is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 through 12. Outside of these zones, it must be grown as a warm-weather annual.

How large does Parrot’s beak grow?

This plant typically reaches a height between 0.5 and 0.75 feet but spreads vigorously, often reaching 2 to 3 feet wide or more.

What sun exposure does Lotus berthelotii need?

The plant requires full sun for the best flowering performance, though it can handle some partial shade, especially where summer heat is intense.

When does Parrot’s beak bloom?

Lotus berthelotii usually produces its distinctive red flowers from May through July, with peak blooming often observed in the cooler weather of spring and early summer.

Conclusion

The unique silver foliage combined with the intense scarlet, beak-like flowers ensures that Lotus berthelotii, or Parrot’s beak, remains a sought-after plant for textural contrast and unique form. Ensure you meet its critical requirement for sharply draining soil to maintain plant health through the warmer months. Before planting, confirm your local hardiness zone supports its perennial nature, or plan for its successful container overwintering.

Propagation Tips

Since Lotus berthelotii is most often grown from purchased material, understanding simple propagation methods is highly valuable, especially for overwintering. The easiest method is taking stem cuttings in the late summer directly from healthy, non-flowering growth. These cuttings root readily, allowing you to start new plants for the following season outdoors.

Cuttings should be placed in a loose, sandy rooting medium and kept in a bright area away from direct, harsh sun. While seed propagation is possible, plants grown from seed rarely flower in their first year, whereas cuttings, if rooted early enough, may reward you with flowers the same growing season. Remember that any plants you intend to keep over winter must be moved into cool (45–55°F) conditions with bright light well before frost threatens.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Lotus berthelotii, focus on plants that share similar needs for full sun and excellent drainage, while offering diverse textures or colors to highlight the silver foliage. Excellent partners include drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs like Lavender or Rosemary, as they thrive in similar lean, dry soil conditions.

In container arrangements, choose upright, sun-loving focal points that contrast sharply with the trailing habit of Parrot’s beak. Consider contrasting fine textures with heavier foliage plants like ornamental grasses or sedums placed near the edge of the pot where the silvery stems of Lotus berthelotii can cascade downward. Avoid heavy feeders or plants that require consistently moist soil, as this directly conflicts with the drainage necessities of this Canary Island native.