Lotus berthelotii: The Rare Parrot's Beak

The Endangered Canary Islands Treasure

Lotus berthelotii, known as Parrot's Beak, Coral Gem, or Pelican's Beak, is a spectacular trailing perennial endemic to the Canary Islands. Its unique, curved, beak-like flowers in fiery orange-red make it one of the most distinctive flowering plants in cultivation.

Botanical Profile

Extraordinary Floral Architecture

This prostrate to trailing perennial forms a dense mat of fine, silvery-gray, needle-like foliage that spreads 2-3 feet while staying just 6-12 inches tall. The flowers are the marvel: curved, tubular, 1-1.5 inches long, in brilliant orange-red to crimson, shaped uncannily like a parrot's beak or coral claw. They appear in profusion from spring through early summer.

Parrot's Beak demands full sun, excellent drainage (gritty, sandy soil), and minimal water once established—it's adapted to arid, coastal cliffs. It resents humidity and wet feet. Hardy in zones 9-11; widely grown as a stunning annual for containers, hanging baskets, and rock walls in cooler climates.

Conservation & Cultivation

Critically endangered in its native habitat—cultivation helps preserve the species. Perfect for hanging baskets, tall containers, rock garden edges, and retaining walls where the trailing stems and beak-like flowers cascade dramatically. The silvery foliage provides year-round interest even when not in bloom. A true collector's plant.