The Lotus vine scientific name is
Lotus berthelotii and is also known as parrot’s beak. The plant is actually an
excellent summer container filler and is also adaptive as a trailing or border
plant. The Lotus vine plant can be used as a summer annual in the warmer
regions of the United States. Summer containers are actually a wonderful way to
capture the season and brighten patios, decks, and lanais. Some of the standby
plants (like violas, petunias, zinnia, and snapdragons) have their own appeal
and combine with foliage plants and trailing specimens for absolutely beautiful
displays. Gardeners with moxie like to tuck in a unique and surprising plant
for a stunning bombshell in the midst of more standard summertime beauty. This
is what the lotus vine plant was actually created for– to shock and amaze and
add that little something special to any container garden. Imagine shocking
oranges and brilliant red hues, edged by golden and green accents. Picture 1
inch (2.5 cm.) long, tapered petals with a prominent beak, surrounded by
grayish green, slightly fuzzy foliage. This is the lotus vine.
Furthermore, the Lotus vine plant is
actually a tender tropical plant from the Canary and Cape Verde Islands and
Tenerife. Lotus vine plant is only hardy in USDA zones ten to twelve but makes
an excellent summer container annual. Lotus vine plant tends to trail, and
individual tendrils may get up to a foot (31 cm.) or more long. The Lotus vine
plant flowers arrive in the cooler seasons of spring and early summer and most
of the plants go dormant when temperatures begin to soar. The Lotus vine plants
grown outside in lower USDA zones will succumb when temperatures drop below
forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Growing a Lotus Vine Plant
You can find Lotus vine plant in
early summer in many garden centers or nurseries. If you actually have a friend
with one, you can also try growing a lotus vine plant through stem cuttings.
Lotus vine seeds are started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the expected date of
transplant but will need another year before they can start forming flowers.
Save the Lotus vine plants in a greenhouse or move them indoors where
temperatures do not get below forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Lotus Vine Plant Care
There are few pest or disease issues
with the Lotus vine plants. Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids are
characteristic pests but can easily be handled with the application of
horticultural oil. Actually the most important considerations are soil,
moisture, and the site. One of the best soils for the plant is a well-draining
garden or potting soil. You can add some sand to the potting soil to increase
grittiness and drainage. The Lotus vine plants do not like to be completely
dry, however care should also be taken not to water too much. Water the plant
deeply and then allow the top surface of the soil to dry out to the touch
before applying anew. Don’t let the Lotus vine plants roots stand in a saucer
of water.
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