Dutchman's Gold

Dutchman's Gold, botanical name Lotus berthelotii, is an evergreen sub-shrub native to the Canary Islands, growing to a height of 30-90 cm depending on the variety. It has lax, willowy, finely-divided greyish-green foliage from which small yellow and white daisy-like, single or double flowers appear in the summer. The blooms are favoured by pollinators, and attract bees and butterflies. The flowers are followed by hard woody capsules containing a number of black seeds.

During the summer growing season, when temperatures are high and the plant is flowering, Dutchman's Gold needs regular watering. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the pot’s drainage holes. During the winter months, water sparingly, but don’t let the soil dry out completely or the plant may suffer. Also, avoid overwatering as this may lead to root rot.