Parrot's Beak (Lotus Berthelotii)

Q. I planted some Lotus Berthelotii. I'd never heard of it and can't find it in my books. It's not flowering. When does it flower and for how long?

A. Lotus Berthelotii [Parrot's Beak] is hardy only in zones 10-11. Native to the Canary Islands, it is a semi-evergreen, trailing shrub good for hanging baskets, or spilling over rock garden walls. The foliage is silvery fine needle-like and sports clusters of orange to scarlet flowers throughout the summer. I have grown it in hangers, and it puts on a remarkable display!

It only grows to 8" tall, and I recommend that you pinch the tips to promote denser growth. You can also take healthy stem cuttings to produce more plants and present a fuller growth. It will die out in the fall when frosted.