About

Pale yellow, pea-like flowers are produced at the tips of the stems in late spring and early summer. A low-growing perennial, with prostrate to ascending stems up to 30cm long. Leaves are slightly blue-green, and divided into five oval-shaped leaflets, with three held upright and two clasping the stem.

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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationThrives in a sunny spot in moist but well-drained soil, will tolerate part shade but flowering is best in full sun. Drought and salt tolerant. Ideal for a sunny wall or rock garden
PruningCut back stems to near the base after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf miners, thrips and several moth caterpillars, including lackey moth larvae
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and rust diseases