Lotus berthelotii aka Coralgem

Lotus berthelotii is known as parrot's beak or coral gem. It belongs to the bean family, Fabaceae. Kew places its native range in southern Tenerife, Canary Islands. It grows in a subtropical climate and forms a small subshrub. This tender perennial keeps its leaves throughout the year. Gardeners grow it as an annual where winters are cold.

Its stems trail over edges or spread across the ground. Most descriptions give heights of 0.5–0.75 feet [0.15–0.23 metres]. Plants spread about 2–3 feet [0.6–0.91 metres], sometimes farther. RHS gives upper limits of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Its listed spread reaches 4.9 feet [1.5 metres]. Fine hairs give the soft leaves their silver-grey shade. Each leaf divides into thin leaflets shaped like needles. Groups of three to seven sit around the stems. Individual leaflets reach about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] long.

The flowers stand out against the pale leaves. They grow near the ends of the trailing stems. Their curved shape ends in a sharp, beak-like point. Flowers open red, then take on an orange-red shade. Each reaches about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] in length. Bloom runs from May to July in the cited guides. Cool spring and early summer weather suits flowering best. High summer heat, including warm nights, can halt bloom. The plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.

Give this plant full sun and soil that drains well. Some afternoon shade suits gardens with hot summers. Keep moisture even, but let the soil surface dry between waterings. Too much or too little water can cause leaf loss. Water less in winter, as RHS advises for greenhouse plants. The plant tolerates drought but still needs careful watering. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–12 for winter survival. RHS rates it H2; it cannot survive freezing. Seed-grown plants do not flower in their first year. Plants raised from cuttings may bloom that same year.

Use it in pots, hanging baskets, or along border edges. Trailing stems can drape over rocks and low walls. In frost-free gardens, it can cover small areas of ground. Deer resistance adds value where browsing is a problem. Pinching stem tips helps the plant form more branches. Routine pruning is not needed, according to RHS. Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon. Poor drainage can lead to root rot. Leaf spots may also occur. Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, especially under glass.