Lotus rigidus

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Rock Pea

 
Plant photo of: Lotus rigidus
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Rock pea is a durable perennial that grows to about 1 1/2' x 2'. Yellow and orange pea-shaped flowers appear from February through May. This plant can tolerate full sun, reflected heat, drought, and poor soils as long as they are well drained. Numerous stems branch from a woody base. It is drought deciduous and can get leggy with too much water. Good to cut to ground to rejuvenate. Rock pea is native to Arizona, southern Utah and Nevada, California, and into northwestern Mexico.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Orange, Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Spring

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low, Low, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.

Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.