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Plant of the Month
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower
thymus vulgaris flower

Parrot’s Beak

Lotus berthelotii, commonly known as parrot's beak or pelican's beak, is a unique trailing perennial native to the Canary Islands.
Lotus berthelotii, commonly known as parrot's beak or pelican's beak, is a unique trailing perennial native to the Canary Islands. It features slender, gray-green leaves and striking, curved orange-red flowers that resemble a parrot's beak, hence its common name. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil and is ideal for cascading over walls, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover in rock gardens. Lotus berthelotii adds a splash of vibrant color and texture to garden landscapes, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. With its trailing habit and eye-catching flowers, parrot's beak is sure to create a dramatic focal point in any garden setting.

Plant Features

Eye-Catching Floral Display
Lotus berthelotii, commonly known as parrot’s beak or pelican’s beak, is a distinctive trailing perennial with slender, gray-green leaves and vibrant, curved orange-red flowers that resemble a parrot’s beak. This unique appearance adds a burst of color and whimsy to any garden setting. Its delicate, fern-like leaves complement the bright orange or red blooms, creating a striking visual contrast. The plant’s trailing habit and eye-catching flowers make it an exceptional choice for adding drama and focal points in garden landscapes, captivating onlookers with its unusual form and vivid hues.
Thrives in Sunny Spots
Native to the Canary Islands, Lotus berthelotii thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil and is particularly drought-tolerant once established, making it well-suited for Mediterranean or coastal gardens. This plant is ideal for hanging baskets, containers, or cascading over walls and rockeries, where it can beautifully display its trailing stems and colorful blooms. It also works effectively as a ground cover in sunny locations, spreading a carpet of foliage and flowers across garden beds or borders. The plant’s preference for well-draining soil and ability to tolerate drought conditions make it suitable for xeriscaping projects and wildlife-friendly gardens, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Versatile in Garden Design
Lotus berthelotii is not only stunning in garden settings but also versatile in its uses. Its trailing habit and vibrant orange flowers are perfect for enhancing hanging baskets, window boxes, or spilling over retaining walls, which adds a dramatic splash of color to vertical spaces. In addition to garden plantings, parrot’s beak can be incorporated into floral arrangements, where its unusual flowers serve as unique accents or focal points, offering a distinctive touch to bouquets or centerpieces. This adaptability and striking appearance make parrot’s beak a valued addition for its resilience, beauty, and utility in various decorative contexts.
Plant Care
Care Instructions and Tips
Requires full sun to thrive, enjoying at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and foliage color.
Requires moderate to low water. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Needs well-drained soil, performs well in sandy conditions. Tolerant of poor soils.
Deadhead to encourage more blooms. Often treated as an annual but can be pruned back in winter to promote dense spring growth in warmer zones.
Bears striking, beak-like, orange-red flowers from late spring through summer, offering a vibrant display against its fine, silvery foliage.

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