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How to Grow Trailing Scarlet

iNaturalist

Trailing Scarlet

Lotus berthelotii

flower

Trailing Scarlet is a tender perennial succulent known for its vibrant scarlet-red, parrot-beak-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters. This cascading plant features delicate, needle-like silvery-green foliage and is prized for hanging baskets, containers, and as a groundcover in mild climates. It blooms prolifically throughout spring and summer with minimal care.

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Example Trailing Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Trailing Scarlet

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Trailing Scarlet blooms

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Trailing Scarlet dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best blooming
💧
Water: Water moderately during growing season; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Drought-tolerant once established; overwatering causes root rot.
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-120 days to first flowers
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gritty soil
pH: 6.5-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand Pumice Cactus/succulent potting mix

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-11; grow as an annual or container plant elsewhere

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with delicate needle-like cotyledons. Growth is slow initially.

Keep soil barely moist, not wet. Provide bright light. Avoid overshadowing by other plants.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops trailing stems with fine, needle-like silvery-green foliage. No flowers yet.

Water sparingly. Maintain full sun exposure. Pinch back tips to encourage branching and bushier growth.

3

Budding

2-3 weeks

Small flower buds begin forming along the stems. Foliage remains lush and silvery.

Continue full sun and well-drained soil. Do not over-fertilize; this reduces flowering. Light feeding is acceptable.

4

Flowering

8-12 weeks or longer

Vibrant scarlet-red, parrot-beak-shaped flowers appear in clusters along trailing stems. Blooms attract hummingbirds and pollinators.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent watering during peak bloom. Avoid moving the plant frequently.

5

Senescence/Dormancy

3-4 months

Blooming slows in fall and winter. Foliage may become less vibrant in cold climates.

Reduce watering significantly. In frost-prone areas, bring container indoors or protect with frost cloth. Trim back dead growth in early spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Calibrachoa Diascia Bacopa Helichrysum Silver Ponyfoot Dichondra

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders like tomatoes Plants requiring frequent watering like impatiens Tall plants that shade it

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity slightly.

  • Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation.

  • Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap. Isolate infected plants.

  • Improve drainage; repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Reduce watering frequency. Remove affected roots.

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

The bright scarlet flowers are edible and can garnish salads or desserts, adding visual appeal and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Container Plant

Household

Perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed containers. The trailing habit creates cascading displays of vibrant color in patios, decks, and balconies. [source]

🦋

Hummingbird Attractant

Wildlife

The brilliant red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. [source]

🎨

Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

Trailing stems with blooms can be incorporated into floral arrangements and decorative displays for added texture and vivid color. [source]

Harvest Tips

Trailing Scarlet is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering season. Cut back stems by one-third in early spring to rejuvenate the plant.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Trailing Scarlet is also known as Parrot's Beak due to the distinctive curved shape of its flowers, which resembles a parrot's beak.
  • 🌱 This plant is native to the Cape Verde Islands and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
  • 🌱 Hummingbirds are so attracted to its scarlet blooms that it's sometimes called 'hummingbird vine' in garden centers.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Perennial Pinch Back
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