Species parrot's beak
cluster of yellow-red flowers with light green sepals and green, needle-like leaves

parrot's beak

Lotus berthelotii

Also Known As - coral gem,pelican's beak,lotus vine
Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii) is a flowering perennial native to parts of Africa, Spain, and the Canary Islands. A hardy, low maintenance plant, it grows in full sun to partial shade, and only needs light watering. The stunning blooms are its most attractive feature, looking like the beak of a parrot and ranging from yellow, orange, white to deep red-purple. The flowers form in clusters on curving stems above striking fern-like foliage. Parrot's beak is excellent for rock or gravel gardens and cottage gardens. Multiplying easily by self-seeding, the flower also works well for naturalized landscapes and windbreaks.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Red Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

watering

Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii) is a Mediterranean plant that grows in sunny and dry conditions. Therefore, it does not need a lot of water and actually prefers to be on the dry side. Generally, it should be watered every 7-14 days during its growing season (spring through summer) and every 3 weeks during its dormant season (fall and winter). To water your parrot's beak, water deeply and slowly until the soil is thoroughly wet. This ensures that the root system reaches deep down into the soil for access to moisture. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and never leave it to sit in water, which can lead to root rot or other types of plant death.

sunlight

Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii) prefers full sun in order to thrive. Outdoor plants should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every day. If planted in a pot, try to rotate them regularly in order to ensure all foliage receives an equal amount of sunlight. Indoors, the plants can thrive in a bright windowsill, as long as it receives direct sunlight for at least 5 hours per day, preferably in the morning. To avoid leaf burn, keep it away from the hottest times of the day, such as mid-afternoon.

pruning

Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii) should be pruned once or twice a year. In the early spring, prune the plant back to about 6 inches in height to encourage compact growth for the season. In late summer trim off any straggling shoots or dead parts of the plant. Removing about 1-third of the stems will lead to a full, shapely plant. Pruning Parrot's Beak can be done with shears, hedge trimmers, or pruners.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Lotus berthelotii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Lotus berthelotii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Lotus berthelotii, or parrot's beak, typically begins in June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map