James H. Schutte
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
LEONOTIS leonurus
Plant Common Name
Lion's Ear
General Description
Lion's ear is an unique tender perennial with numerous fuzzy orange flowers in tufts along a tall flower spike. This is a South African native. The dark green leaves are scalloped and fragrant if crushed.
Lion's ear needs a full sun exposure with a well draining fertile soil. Allow the ground to dry before the next watering. When the flowering ceases, cut the long spikes down and allow the plant to regrow. This plant thrives in subtropical Mediterranean-type climates. In fact, it is nearly a noxious weed in some such regions where it flowers in fall and winter. If grown as an annual it will flower in the spring and summer. Cultivar 'Harrismith White' is a white flowering form.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
