Photo of Lotus hirsutus foliage by Cistus Nursery

Photo by Cistus Nursery

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Lotus hirsutus

Also Known As

  • Dorycnium hirsutum
  • Hairy Canary Clover

Plant type

shrub, perennial, groundcover

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 24"-30"

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

More Options

Lotus hirsutus plant details

Lotus hirsutus is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover shrub with blue and white foliage. In fall and summer pink and white flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in alkaline, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, seaside / salt tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lotus hirsutus

Plant type: perennial groundcover shrub
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen blue and white
Mature size: 24 IN - 30 IN - wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lotus hirsutus

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, seaside / salt and wind
Soil needs: alkaline, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Evergreen subshrub from Portugal with soft silver foliage, 12-18” tall, relaxing to 2-3’wide. This Mediterranean enjoys decent soil, drainage, and full baking sun! Terminal clusters of clover flowers in summer and fall are white from pink buds. Shear after bloom to rejuvenate foliage and keep a compact shape. Deer and rodent resistant, drought tolerant and enjoys being near the sea (me too!).
Subshrub to 2' tall with dense, furry gray-white leaves divided into 3 leaflets. Cream-colored flowers blush shell pink and bloom from summer to fall. A good choice for dry gardens in full sun and well-drained soils with occasional water. Seeds are held in maroon pea-like fruits that add ornamental character into winter. Commonly reseeds, but not in an aggressive manner. Hardy to 10F. Mediterranean, Southern Portugal.
This grey-leaved, pea shrub is a workhorse in the garden. The leaves gleam in the sun; the flowers, pink and white, are subtle and attractive; and the red seeds in star-shaped pods provide a long season of interest. To 3 ft tall x 2.5 ft. wide in full to part sun, they need lean, well-drained soil and little supplemental summer water once established.. Easy. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Creamy pink whorled flowers are like frosting on this silvery silky plant. Small shrubby perennial 2' x 2' and very useful for dry borders and rockeries.

Gardening facts about Lotus hirsutus plant

How to Grow Lotus hirsutus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • alkaline
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • wind tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • white
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

See other plant types of Lotus for your garden

aka Lotus formosissimus, Lotus formossisimus, Bicolored Lotus, Coast Lotus, Harlequin Lotus, Meadow Lotus, Seaside Bird's Foot, Seaside Bird's-Foot Trefoil, Western Trefoil

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 8"-20"

Width: 18"-36"

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
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aka Lotus grandiflorus, Chaparral Bird's-foot Trefoil, Chapparel Lotus, Large Leaved Lotus

Plant Type

Perennial, Annual / Biennial

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 6"-8"

Width: 9"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Acmispon grandiflorus form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Parrot's Beak

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Vine, Annual / Biennial

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 6"-9"

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Lotus berthelotii flower, foliage by Juanillo1976
View Plant

aka Lotus crassifolius var. otayensis, Big Deervetch, Otay Mountain Lotus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9b-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • occasional
Photo of Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Black-Flowered Lotus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Lotus jacobaeus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+6 more Lotus
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