COMMON NAME:
► Parrots Beak
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
► Lotus bertolotii
GROWER HINTS:
►There are now many wonderful Lotus species for you to choose from. Cut back your Lotus in late Summer so they will be ready for early flowering.
GROWTH HABITS:
►They like good drainage, and want to be kept evenly moist. Lotus is a plant that begins to bloom late Winter or very early in the Spring. Because the plant needs some cool weather to set buds they like to be outside during the Winter. They will bloom constantly until the nights get warmer than about 60° to 65° . The foliage will still look nice even without the blooms.
SHADE/SUN:
►Be sure lotus has at least half a day sun along the coast and good bright shade inland.
FEEDING AND WATERING:
►These plants have fine needled foliage that looks like they might be drought tolerant. They are NOT. They like good drainage, and want to be kept evenly moist. If you let them dry out the needles will turn yellow and fall off. If they have buds they will dry up. Cut them back, soak them and regrow if that happens. As the plant begins to dry the needles pick up a silver look, a sure sign of thirst. Give them some liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
FLOWER/FOLIAGE COLOR(S):
►Bright yellow with red beak like flowers, fine gray needlelike foliage.
SEASON(S) CARRIED AT WEIDNERS:
►Spring thru mid summer.
CONTAINER OR GROUND?
►Lotus are wonderful for planters, ground cover, and as a basket.
PARTICULAR PESTS:
►Aphids are the number one pest.You’ll have to treat for if they attack. Keep a close eye so you can catch it early.
