Also known as Parrot's Beak · 5 gardener saves
Lotus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Lotus, the genus most gardeners know as parrot's beak. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Lotus varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedOtay Lotus
Lotus crassifolius 'otayensis'
#2 most savedParrot's Beak
Lotus berthelotii
#3 most savedBlack Deervetch
Lotus jacobaeus 'Black Lotus'
How to grow Lotus
What the Lotus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Lotus year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed (treat as annual in Zone 7)
- DeadheadJune and July67% of varieties
Remove spent blooms to maintain a tidy appearance
Do
- Ensure full sun exposure for vibrant flowering 🌞
- Water consistently during active growth
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer during the growing season
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t neglect pruning; it helps maintain shape
- Keep away from heavy clay soils that retain water
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Lotus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Lotus
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Maintain high humidity with plastic cover.
- Roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring for 6 weeks.
- Keep soil consistently moist and in full sun.
Lotus questions
How many types of Lotus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Lotus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 5 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Lotus grow in?
Across its varieties, Lotus covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lotus bloom?
Most Lotus varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lotus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
By hardiness zone
Design with Lotus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
