Lotus corniculatus

Family. Legumes.

Origin. Canary Islands.

Description. Lotus corniculatus are perennial herbaceous plants that have the typical appearance of legumes. The stems are lodging, up to 60 cm long. The leaves are light green, compound - consist of 3 oval leaves. In some species, the leaves are very thin and long and more like pine needles. The flowers are yellow or red, fragrant, up to 3 cm in diameter, appearing on the tops of the shoots. After flowering, the plant forms oblong pods up to 3 cm long with seeds - peas.

Height. The height of the plant can be only 5 - 20 cm, but long lodging stems grow up to 50 cm in length.

Care at home

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in the spring, pre-soaked in warm water for a day. Germination occurs within 2 - 4 weeks. Seedlings are kept in cool conditions - at a temperature of about 15 ° C. By stem cuttings.  

When it blooms 

Flowering time depends on the variety, from early spring to autumn.

Containment temperature

Moderately - warm content in spring and summer at a temperature of 16 - 20 ° C. In the winter months, plants like coolness, but the temperature should not fall below 8 ° C. 

Lighting

The bush should receive direct sunlight for 3 hours a day - in the morning or evening. During the day, it is better to provide a little shade with a curtain.

Care

After flowering, you can trim stems that are too long by 1/3 of their length to maintain a compact shape. The plant will appreciate being outdoors in the warm season. 

Soil

Loose, nutritious soil with good drainage and sufficient organic matter. 

Fertilizer

During the period of active growth, feed every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizers. 

Water the lotus corniculatus

Water generously until the earthen ball is completely soaked in spring and summer. In autumn, the frequency of watering should be slightly reduced. In winter, the soil should dry out to half its depth between waterings.

Spraying 

It tolerates dry air well and rarely needs spraying. Loves frequently ventilated rooms with constant air movement.

Transfer

Every spring. Lotus corniculatus grows quickly and takes up all the available space.

Pests and diseases

During prolonged drought, the lotus corniculatus may shed its leaves. The most dangerous pests are aphids and thrips. When grown in open ground, flea beetles and weevils, clover seed eater, bugs, and greenfinch may appear.

Purpose

Excellent for growing in hanging baskets as a hanging plant. 

Note

All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

Varieties:

Lotus corniculatus

A flowering herbaceous perennial plant with lodging, rigid stems up to 50 - 60 cm long. The leaves are arranged alternately, on long petioles, and are complex - consisting of 3 broadly lanceolate, slightly pubescent, bluish-green segments. During the flowering period, plants form small inflorescences on the tops of the shoots, consisting of 3 to 12 bright, orange flowers typical of legumes.

Lotus berthelotii

A spectacular flowering perennial 15 - 25 cm high with lodging stems up to 60 - 90 cm long. The leaves are bluish-silver, consisting of 3 - 5 narrow, oval segments. The leaf blades get their shade due to their thick, delicate pubescence. A striking contrast to the foliage is the large, reddish-orange flowers, reminiscent of a parrot's beak. The flowers are collected in small apical inflorescences and bloom in late spring - early summer.