Leonotis leonurus

Lion's ear, Lion's tail, Wild Dagga

Location

The Sunken Garden.

Description:

Leonotis, from the Greek leon, lion and otis, ear, Leonurus, lion-coloured. A distant relative of the dead nettle, originating from South Africa, the bright orange velvety flowers are produced in whorls along upright growing stems during the autumn. This is an excellent wildlife plant growing to 1m by 1m (3 ft x 3 ft) and is hardy in well drained soils.

Site and Care:

Easy to grow but will do best in well drained light loamy soils with plenty of compost added in full sun. Cut right back in late spring. Propagate from seed, cuttings or by dividing up large clumps.