Parrot's Beak Lotus berthelotii deep red-flowered
ABOUT
The Lotus berthelotii deep red-flowered, commonly known as parrot's beak due to its distinctively shaped flowers, boasts a striking appearance that captures the eye. The plant is characterized by its vibrant, deep red flowers that resemble the beak of a parrot, with their pointed, sharply curved shape. These vivid blooms provide a dramatic contrast to its fine, needle-like foliage, which is typically a silver to gray-green color, creating a delicate backdrop for the intense floral display. The leaves are slender and elongated, adding a soft, feathery texture to the plant's overall form. This elegant foliage cascades and trails, making parrot's beak an attractive choice for hanging baskets or as a spiller plant in mixed containers where it can elegantly drape over the edges. While the main attraction of the parrot's beak is its profusion of deep red flowers, the blossoms may also be accompanied by lighter shades or even hints of orange, further enhancing the plant's ornamental value. When in bloom, parrot's beak can produce a lush and abundant show of color, which is often long-lasting and can bring a tropical flair to the surroundings. Parrot's beak is valued not only for its striking appearance but also for its ability to bring a burst of warm, vivid color to gardens and landscapes. Its distinctive form and alluring color palette make it a breathtaking addition that commands attention and adds an exotic touch to any planting arrangement.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Parrot's Beak, Coral Gem, Pelican's Beak.
Common names
Lotus berthelotii.
ToxicityTo humans
Parrot's beak is generally considered to be a non-toxic plant to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or toxic reactions from ingestion or contact with Parrot's beak. Consequently, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it is generally advisable to avoid ingesting any plant material that is not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Parrot's beak is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant for pets such as cats and dogs. There is scant information regarding its toxicity to pets, and it is not known to cause serious harm if ingested. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Close observation is recommended if a pet consumes any part of the Parrot's beak, and contacting a veterinarian is advisable if any adverse reactions are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver
Flower color
Red
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lotus berthelotii, commonly known as Parrot's Beak, has deep red flowers that add vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is well-suited to arid environments and can thrive with minimal water once established, making it ideal for water-wise gardening.
- Low Maintenance: Parrot's Beak requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning, making it a good choice for gardeners with limited time.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers of Parrot's Beak attract pollinating insects like bees, which can help pollinate other nearby plants.
- Versatility: It can be used in various garden settings, including hanging baskets, rock gardens, and as ground cover, providing flexibility in landscaping design.
- Coastal Tolerance: Parrot's Beak is salt-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in coastal areas where other plants might struggle.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Dyeing: Extracts from Parrot's Beak can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, imparting a reddish hue to the cloth.
- Photography: Crushed petals of Parrot's Beak may sometimes be utilized in the creation of organic photo prints, exploiting their color for artistic effect.
- Fragrance Enhancement: The scent of Parrot's Beak foliage can be included in potpourri mixes to add a delicate fragrance to indoor spaces.
- Decorative Inlays: Dried Parrot's Beak flowers may be used for decorative inlays in woodworking projects, providing a touch of natural beauty.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely recognized for culinary use, the vibrant flowers can serve as an ornamental garnish for exotic dishes.
- Educational Botany: Parrot's Beak can be studied for its unique pollination mechanism, making it a subject of interest for educational institutions teaching botany.
- Artistic Muse: The distinctive shape of Parrot's Beak makes it an interesting subject for botanical illustration and artwork.
- Thematic Landscaping: Parrot's Beak can be integrated into pirate or tropical-themed gardens due to its exotic appearance and common name association.
- Companion Planting: Parrot's Beak may be used in garden design as a companion plant to create contrasting color schemes with other flowers.
- Floral Crafts: The flowers and foliage of Parrot's Beak can be utilized in making homemade floral arrangements or wreaths.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiParrot's beak is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityParrot's beak is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness and Exceptionality: Lotus berthelotii, commonly known as Parrot's Beak, is not commonly found in the wild, symbolizing something rare and exceptionally unique.
- Attraction and Beauty: With its deep red flowers resembling a parrot's beak, this plant represents the magnetic pull of beauty and the allure that comes with striking appearances.
- Adaptability: As a plant that thrives in various conditions, the Parrot's Beak can symbolize the ability to adjust and succeed across different environments or circumstances.
WaterParrot's beak should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, in spring and summer, you might need to water every few days, especially if the weather is particularly warm or windy. On average, watering with about 8-16 ounces of water once or twice a week should be sufficient. During the fall and winter, reduce watering to once every week or two, adjusting for rainfall and changes in temperature. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightParrot's beak thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is a sunny windowsill or a garden location that receives ample morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureParrot's beak does best in temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost and freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant. The optimal range to promote growth and flowering is within the warmer end of this spectrum.
PruningPruning parrot's beak is important to maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. Lightly prune the tips of the growth after flowering to encourage bushiness. A more thorough pruning can be done in early spring, cutting back the plant by about a third to remove any old or dead growth. Prune again in mid-summer if the plant becomes leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilParrot's Beak prefers a well-draining soil mix with sandy or gravelly composition; aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingParrot's Beak should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and prevent root bounding.
Humidity & MistingParrot's Beak thrives best in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity conditions as long as it is not too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, minimal watering, and good air circulation for Parrot's Beak.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds for Parrot's Beak.
Hardiness zone
Parrot's Beak is suitable for 9-11 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleLotus berthelotii deep red-flowered, commonly known as Parrot's Beak, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Upon germination, the plant develops its first set of true leaves and continues to grow vegetatively, forming a trailing habit characterized by silver-gray, needle-like foliage. As it matures, Lotus berthelotii produces distinctive, deep red, beak-shaped flowers primarily during the warmer months, although in mild climates it may flower throughout the year. After pollination, which is less common due to a lack of natural pollinators in certain growing areas, seed pods may form, though many gardeners propagate the plant through cuttings to maintain desirable traits. The plant continues to flourish, producing flowers and new growth, until it experiences conditions unfavorable for its survival, such as frost or prolonged cold, being a tender perennial. If it does not succumb to environmental stress, the parrot’s beak will enter a period of dormancy during cooler seasons and may regrow from its root system when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Lotus berthelotii deep red-flowered, commonly known as Parrot's Beak, is a plant that's typically propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate from cuttings, select a healthy stem with several leaves and cut a 4- to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section. Ideally, you should use a sharp, sterile knife or scissors to make the cut just below a leaf node. The bottom leaves are then removed, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix or directly into the soil where you wish to grow the plant. The key to encouraging root growth is maintaining a consistently moist environment, which can be achieved by covering the cutting with a plastic bag to retain humidity until new growth indicates that roots have formed.
