Parrot Beak Flower
Lotus berthelotii
Parrot Beak Flower is a rare and spectacular trailing plant from the Canary Islands, admired for its vivid crimson blooms that curve dramatically into a beak-like shape. Considered extinct in the wild, it symbolizes rarity, exotic beauty, and perseverance.
Fabaceae (Pea family)
Spring to early summer (May–July); best in cool weather
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: blue puyas and purple shooting stars also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Parrot Beak Flower holds one of the most poignant stories in the botanical world — it is believed to be functionally extinct in its native Canary Islands, likely due to the disappearance of the bird pollinators (possibly the Canary Island chough) that co-evolved with its unusual beak-shaped blooms. Botanists believe the flower's distinctive curved shape was an adaptation specifically for a bird pollinator that no longer exists. Today, it survives entirely through human cultivation, making it a living symbol of conservation, fragility, and the irreplaceable bonds between species. It received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering; tolerates partial afternoon shade in hot climates
Water
Moderate; allow the top layer of soil to dry before rewatering — both overwatering and underwatering cause leaf drop
Soil
Well-drained, Light, Sandy, Loamy
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in light, excellently drained soil — this is critical to prevent root rot
Pinch stem ends regularly to encourage bushy branching and more blooms
Bring containers indoors before frost; overwinter at 45–55°F (7–13°C) with bright light
Plants grown from seed typically do not flower in their first year; cuttings are more reliable for same-season blooms
Avoid blooming disruption: high nighttime temperatures can cause flower drop in midsummer
Fertilize regularly during the growing season for peak performance
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Hanging baskets and elevated containers
- Cascading over walls and raised beds
- Rock and Mediterranean-style gardens
- Ground cover in frost-free zones (10–12)
- Greenhouse and conservatory displays
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Parrot Beak Flower
Why is the parrot beak flower so rare?
The Parrot Beak Flower is believed to be functionally extinct in its native Canary Islands, largely because the bird species that pollinated it — likely a now-extinct or absent species — no longer exists there. It survives only through human cultivation worldwide.
What does the parrot beak flower symbolize?
It symbolizes rarity, exotic beauty, and resilience — a flower that survives only because of human care, making it a powerful reminder of conservation and the fragility of species interdependence.
How do I get a parrot beak plant to bloom?
Parrot beak blooms best in cool spring weather, in full sun, with excellent drainage. High summer heat often stops flowering. Plants grown from cuttings are more likely to bloom in their first season than those from seed.
Is the parrot beak flower a true lotus?
No — despite its scientific name Lotus berthelotii, it is completely unrelated to the water lotus (Nelumbo). It belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae) and is a trailing ornamental native to the Canary Islands.
Can parrot beak flower be grown indoors?
Yes, parrot beak can be overwintered indoors in a bright, cool location (45–55°F / 7–13°C). It also grows well in large containers under bright indoor light, though it blooms most profusely outdoors in spring.
What is the lifespan of a parrot beak plant?
In tropical and subtropical zones (USDA 10–12), it is an evergreen tender perennial with an indefinite lifespan when properly cared for. In cooler climates, it is typically grown as an annual unless overwintered indoors.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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