Description
Lotus Gold Flash – Parrot’s Beak
Lotus Gold Flash (Lotus berthelotii ‘Gold Flash’) is a striking low-growing and trailing plant prized for its unusual parrot’s-beak-shaped flowers and soft, silvery blue-green foliage. The brilliant golden-yellow flowers are highlighted with orange to red tips, creating a beautiful contrast against the fine foliage.
With its naturally cascading growth habit, Lotus Gold Flash is an excellent choice for pots, hanging baskets, rockeries, retaining walls and garden beds. Allow the stems to spill over the edge of a container or retaining wall for a relaxed, cascading display, or use it as a low-growing groundcover to add colour and texture to the garden.
Originally associated with the Canary Islands, Lotus Gold Flash is a sun-loving plant that performs best in a warm position with excellent drainage. It has relatively low water requirements once established, making it a useful choice for gardeners looking for an attractive, low-maintenance flowering plant. (The Plant Broker)
Flowers and Foliage
The flowers are the feature that makes Lotus Gold Flash so distinctive. Its unusual, curved blooms resemble a parrot’s beak or lobster claw, with golden-yellow colouring and contrasting orange to red tips.
Flowering generally occurs from spring into summer, with flowering potentially extending into warmer periods when growing conditions are suitable. The soft silver-green, needle-like foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the bright flowers and gives the plant interest even when it is not in full bloom. (Faceys Nursery)
Growing Lotus Gold Flash in Brisbane
Lotus Gold Flash can be a great choice for Brisbane gardens, particularly when planted in a position with plenty of sunlight and good drainage. Brisbane’s warm climate suits its preference for warm growing conditions, although it is important to avoid areas where water remains around the roots.
Choose a full sun to part shade position. Full sun generally encourages the best flowering and helps maintain a compact, healthy plant. In very hot positions, some afternoon protection can be beneficial, particularly where reflected heat from paving or walls is intense.
Good drainage is particularly important. Plant Lotus Gold Flash into a well-drained garden soil or use a quality free-draining potting mix when growing it in containers.
How to Plant Lotus Gold Flash
When planting Lotus Gold Flash in the garden, choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Improve heavy or poorly draining soil with suitable organic matter and drainage amendments before planting.
For containers and hanging baskets, use a good-quality potting mix that drains freely. Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes and avoid allowing the plant to sit in permanently wet conditions.
Its naturally trailing habit makes Lotus Gold Flash particularly effective in hanging baskets and elevated pots, where the stems can cascade over the sides.
Watering and Fertilising
Once established, Lotus Gold Flash has relatively low water requirements. Water regularly while newly planted to help the root system establish, then allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.
During extended periods of hot or dry weather, occasional deep watering can help maintain healthy growth and flowering. Avoid frequent overwatering, particularly in heavy soils or poorly drained containers.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during the active growing season according to the product instructions. A light application in spring can encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning Lotus Gold Flash
Lotus Gold Flash can become a little straggly if left completely unpruned. Lightly trimming or tip-pruning the stems helps maintain a fuller appearance and encourages branching.
Pruning can also be used to control the length of trailing stems and keep container plants looking tidy. Avoid heavy pruning when the plant is stressed by extreme heat or drought.
Mature Size
Height: approximately 15–25 cm
Width: approximately 30–60 cm
Growth habit: Low-growing, trailing and spreading
Its compact height and wider trailing spread make Lotus Gold Flash especially useful where a low-growing plant is required. Different growing conditions can affect the ultimate size of individual plants. (Faceys Nursery)
Where to Use Lotus Gold Flash
The versatile trailing habit of Lotus Gold Flash makes it suitable for:
* Hanging baskets
* Pots and containers
* Rockeries
* Retaining walls
* Garden borders
* Sloping gardens
* Low-growing groundcover
* Cascading over raised garden beds
* Courtyard gardens
* Coastal-style gardens
Its unusual flowers also make it an excellent plant for adding something different to mixed garden displays.
Is Lotus Gold Flash Frost Tolerant?
Lotus Gold Flash is frost tender, so protection is recommended in areas that experience regular frost. In Brisbane, frost is generally less of a concern than in colder climates, but plants should still be protected from unusually cold conditions. (Hello Hello Plants & Garden Supplies)
Buy Lotus Gold Flash in Brisbane
Looking for Lotus Gold Flash in Brisbane? Visit Zephyr Forest – Narangba Nursery to explore our selection of flowering plants, groundcovers, natives, indoor plants and garden favourites.
Whether you are looking for a colourful plant for a hanging basket, a trailing plant for a retaining wall or an unusual flowering groundcover, Lotus Gold Flash is a beautiful option for adding colour and texture to the garden.
