Leonotis ocymifolia

Also Known As

Leonotis menthafolia
Leonotis menthifolia
Leonotis menthifolius
Leonotis ocymifolia var. ocymifolia
DWARF LION’S TAIL
Lion's Ear

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-6'
W: 3'-6'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Leonotis ocymifolia plant details

Leonotis ocymifolia is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer orange flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Leonotis ocymifolia

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: orange blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, cutting garden, rock garden, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Leonotis ocymifolia

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tender semi-evergreen shrubby perennial to 3’ high and wide, never gets woody, evergreen in warm climates. Velvety apricot orange whorls of flowers summer & fall draw hummers like magnets! Great even as a seasonal annual – big bang for your buck. Deer rest, drought tolerant (but will even thrive in a pot with regular water)…sun, well drained soil. USDA Z9

By: Secret Garden Growers

"Lion' s Ear" has small grey green mint like foliage and whorls of tawny-orange tubular flowers along 3' stems, looking quite a bit like a unusually colored Bee Balm, beginning in mid-late summer, and continuing into the fall.

By: Avant Gardens

Fun, fun, fun & much superior to the commonly grown “Lion’s Tail” Leonotis leonorus, as this more garden-worthy species does not become woody at the base. Instead, it retains its attractive small mint-like green foliage down to the ground & forms a rounded upright shrub around 3’ tall. Showy, tactile & fuzzy tawny orange tubular flowers are held in whorls on the 3’ stems most of the year here in coastal California, late Spring ’til Fall in hotter climates. Easy, fast & disease resistant, it’s tolerant of many conditions & needs no Summer water in foggy coastal areas. Best appearance is in fairly rich well-drained soil. Neat-o cut flowers & self sows. From South Africa.