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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