Buy Leonotis leonurus

Also Known As

Leonotis leonorus
Leonotis ocymifolia
Lion's Ear
Lion's Tail
Wild Dagga

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 4'-8'
W: 3'-4'

planting zones

7b-11

3 inch pot | $14

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Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

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Leonotis leonurus plant details

This striking perennial is reliable to zone 8 in the Southeast United States, where longer, warmer growing seasons and shorter, drier winters contribute to greater hardiness. In areas like the Pacific Northwest, with less heat and a longer, wetter winter season, it's best considered a zone 9 plant, but may survive many years in a warm location with excellent drainage.

Leonotis leonurus is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In fall and summer orange flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Leonotis leonurus

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: orange blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, long-blooming, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Leonotis leonurus

USDA Zones: 7b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

(LION TAIL, WILD DRAGGA) Tall, bolt upright perennial from N. Africa, 4-6’ high and half as wide. Stems are topped with fuzzy orange whorls of red-orange tubular flowers that hummers enjoy summer thru fall. This ‘big cat’ enjoys well drained fertile soil, plenty of sun and regular irrigation. Deer resistant (they’re afraid of lions); try pairing with Verbena bonariensis.

By: Secret Garden Growers

This native of South Africa has long been used for late summer and early autumn container gardening display. Young plants started in June will reach full maturity as summer wanes and then burst forth in a blizzard of orange tufts that form along the stems. Its growth rate is astounding when given full sun and high amounts of water and feed. Although it's the shorter day length that brings it into autumn bloom, we also see some sporadic blooms in spring. Very vigorous.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

An upright evergreen shrub tolerant of dry conditions. Coarsely textured deep green lance shaped leaves occur in pairs on erect woody stems. At the top of each stem during autumn and winter dense whorls of bright orange tubular flowers are produced. Attracts nectar feeding birds. Very tough.

By: Zephs

Upright shrub to 6' tall and as wide with downy, bright orange-scarlet, two-lipped flowers from mid-summer to fall against dark green, narrow foliage. Plants require well-drained soils. A good accent plant for the back of perennial borders. Hardy to 20F. South Africa.

By: Native Sons

Lion's Ear is a great addition to any container or in the garden. Bright orange tubular flowers form in circular clusters along the stems. Grows to a mature size of 4 to 6 feet. Can be grown as a perennial in zones 8 and higher, also known as "Wild Dagga"

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Bright velvety orange tubular blooms are borne in dense clusters around the upright stems. A vigorous growing upright plant that lends itself to containers or flower gardens. Blooms in spring and again in fall.

By: Almost Eden

Right on the edge of hardiness for us, this is nonetheless so worth trying especially if you have a warm sunny and winter mild site. This South African is related to Lamium and produces tiers of clustered tubular nectar rich orange flowers in the fall on 3'-6' stems. Good drainage.