About
This tender perennial with trailing stems to 1m, bearing needle-like, silver-grey leaves to 2cm long. In spring and early summer it produces red-tipped, orange flowers, 3cm long and shaped like lobster claws.
About the genus
Lotus can be annuals, perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, with simple or compound leaves and pea-like flowers that may be solitary or clustered
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bedding
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHanging basket, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit in full light. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly; water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Treat as an annual or overwinter plants in a warm greenhouse; cut back stems before starting back into growth in spring
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19-24°C in spring; take semi-ripe cutting in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free