Red Flash Parrot's Beak

Red Flash Parrot's Beak (Lotus berthelotii 'Red Flash') is a trailing little groundcover from the Canary Islands, only 20cm to 25cm tall and spreading to about 35cm, with soft grey-green foliage like fine conifer needles. In spring and summer it covers itself in rich red, beak-shaped flowers. It is a first-rate plant for hanging baskets, pots and rockeries, and it is happiest in full sun.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers like little beaks. Rich red, claw-shaped blooms open in spring and summer. The species form is burnt orange, and Red Flash is a deeper red.
• Soft, silvery foliage. Fine ferny grey-green leaves look good before and after the flowers.
• Trails beautifully. The stems drape over wall tops, pot rims and basket edges.
• Small and manageable. At about 25cm tall it suits windowboxes, pots and the front of a border.
• Easy care. Beyond watering well in extended dry spells, it needs very little attention.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets and windowboxes. Let the stems trail over the edge, where the red flowers show against the grey foliage. Use a good potting mix and a sunny position.

Rockeries and sunny borders. Plant 30cm apart to spread across rocks or the front of a border as a low groundcover.

Pots on patios and balconies. A shallow bowl or tall pot lets the stems spill over the rim and keeps the flowers at eye level.

Growing Red Flash Parrot's Beak in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with full sun giving the most flowers. It suits warm temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean gardens. It is frost tender, so in frost-prone areas grow it in a pot and move it under cover in winter.

Soil. Well draining soil rich in organic matter. In pots, use a quality potting mix and make sure the pot drains freely.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well during extended dry periods. Established plants do not need constant attention, so avoid keeping the soil soggy.

Pruning. Trim lightly after flowering to keep the stems compact and the plant full. Remove any dead or damaged stems as you see them.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Flash Parrot's Beak as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly) and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is the budget choice for a large groundcover area, while the 140mm pots in packs of 10 give a more developed plant for baskets and pots. Plant out soon after arrival and water in well.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Groundcovers for sunny gardens
• Plants that grow well in pots
• Plants that suit rockeries
• Best trailing plants for retaining walls

Common questions

Is it an Australian native?

No. Parrot's Beak comes from the Canary Islands. It is a sun loving trailing plant that suits Australian gardens that do not get hard frosts.

Can it live in a hanging basket all year?

Yes, provided the basket gets plenty of sun and drains well. Water it well in extended dry periods, and in frosty areas bring the basket under cover for winter.

What happens in frost?

It is frost tender. In cold gardens, grow it in a pot that can be moved to a sheltered spot, or treat it as a seasonal colour plant.