Lotus Growing Guide

What is Lotus?

Lotus (Lotus berthelotii) also known as Trailing Lotus or Parrot’s Beak is a trailing short lived perennial. It is part of the Fabaceae family and is native to The Canary Islands. The foliage is soft, silver grey needle like foliage which is in a trailing or cascading habit. The flowers are seen as small parrot beaks, how they got their common name, and appear from Spring through early Summer. They are coloured either orange-scarlet or golden-yellow flowers depending on the variety. Lotus prefers a sunny or semi-shaded warm position in the garden and needs well draining soil. They are drought tolerant but need to be protected from the frost.

Benefits of Growing Lotus

Lotus are a great low maintenance plant that are very hardy once established. They look great when growing in the ground but shine when planted in a pot or container allowing the plant to cascade over the edges. Some places you may like to plant them are rockeries, retaining walls, steep banks, window boxes, hanging baskets or in the garden bed as a ground cover.

How to Grow Lotus

Lotus Red Flash

Climatic Zones

Cool to tropical.

Plant Size

Height: 20-25cm, Width: 30-35cm

When To Plant Lotus

Plant in Spring.

Soil Preparation

They need well drained, friable soil

How To Plant Lotus

Plant in full sun to part shade, 30-40cm apart with the plant crown at soil level.

Lotus Plant Care

Lotus has low water requirements, however, the plant will benefit from occasional watering during dry weather.

Keep mulched to maintain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

Pinch stem ends to promote branching. When the plant gets old it may become leggy or tired, the plants can easily be cut back to spur a flush of new growth.

Watch out for root rot in poorly drained soils.

Lotus Gold Flash