Lotus sweetjuice
Glinus lotoides · Molluginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lotus sweetjuice: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Molluginaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or perennial herbaceous depending on climate
- Adult height
- 15 to 30 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous, light green, linear
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (July to September)
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, warm temperate climate
- Origin
- Africa and dry tropical regions
Care
Watering
Glinus lotoides tolerates drought well once established. Water moderately at planting time, then space out watering according to climatic conditions. Avoid excess moisture which promotes rot. In very hot climates, regular but light watering allows for better flowering.
Exposure
This herbaceous plant thrives in full sun, where it offers the best flowering and compact habit. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Install it in a well-ventilated spot to prevent stagnant humidity.
Soil
Glinus lotoides prefers well-draining, light soil that is poor to moderately fertile. It adapts to sandy or gravelly soils typical of its native regions. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if your soil retains too much water.
Pruning and deadheading
No formal pruning is necessary. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a compact shape. At the end of the season, you can cut back the plant or let it reseed naturally as you prefer.
Fertilizer
This herbaceous plant is not demanding in nutrients. A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Glinus lotoides is generally robust. In excess moisture, it may suffer from root rot or fungal diseases. Favor a well-ventilated location and measured watering. Occasional pests are rare under appropriate conditions.
Did you know?
The name 'lotoides' literally means 'resembling the lotus': this humble little herbaceous plant received this evocative nickname because of its delicate inflorescences which remind one, from afar, of the appearance of lotus flowers. Native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, Glinus lotoides has naturalized in other hot and dry zones, proving its remarkable adaptation to hostile conditions.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Green carpetweedMollugo verticillata
- BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- SageSalvia officinalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.