Photo of Lotus tetragonolobus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Lotus tetragonolobus

Also Known As

  • Tetragonolobus purpurea
  • Asparagus Pea

Plant type

perennial, fruit / vegetable

size

  • H: 20"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

More Options

Lotus tetragonolobus plant details

Lotus tetragonolobus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial fruit / vegetable with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lotus tetragonolobus

Plant type: perennial fruit / vegetable
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 20 IN tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: edible flowers, edible pods

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lotus tetragonolobus

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This unusual veggie is an entertaining addition to the edible garden. Blooms are an attractive deep red & each bean is edged in 4 delicate & frilly ridges. The plant itself is a low growing scrambler & performs well in containers as well as in the ground. Browse plants frequently, as pods are best eaten at just a few inches long (before they are fully mature). The red flowers are edible as well & can be used as a garnish. The taste is, as the name suggests, delicately Asparagus-like. Rich soil is not required. Best in areas with high heat! Inlanders rejoice!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Lotus tetragonolobus plant

How to Grow Lotus tetragonolobus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • lean
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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
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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
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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
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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
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