Lotus maritimus
dragon's teeth
A low-growing perennial, with prostrate to ascending stems up to 30cm long. Leaves are slightly blue-green, and divided into five oval-shaped leaflets, with three held upright and two clasping the stem. Pale yellow, pea-like flowers are produced at the tips of the stems in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Blue Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Lotus can be annuals, perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, with simple or compound leaves and pea-like flowers that may be solitary or clustered
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in a sunny spot in moist but well-drained soil, will tolerate part shade but flowering is best in full sun. Drought and salt tolerant. Ideal for a sunny wall or rock garden
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
Pruning
Cut back stems to near the base after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf miners, thrips and several moth caterpillars, including lackey moth larvae
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and rust diseases
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