Care of the shrub Leonotis leonurus or Lion's tail |
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The genus Leonotis, family Lamiaceae, comprises 35 species of shrubs native to Africa and Madagascar. Some species are: Leonotis leonurus, Leonotis nepetifolia, Leonotis africana, Leonotis dubia, Leonotis capensis. Common names: Wild dagga, Lion's tail. This species is native to South Africa. They are shrubs with quadrangular stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have opposite, lanceolate leaves 2 cm (0.78") wide and 10 cm (3.93") long. The flowers appear in whorls in the axils of the upper leaves. The flowers are 6 cm (2.36") long and can be orange or red. They bloom from spring to fall. These easy-to-grow plants are used to form bushy clumps, in rockery and on dry slopes. They are ideal for gardens with a Mediterranean climate. Leonotis leonurus needs full sun exposure and warm weather. They do not resist frost, but they do resist drought. They can grow in any type of soil but prefer it to be slightly clayey. They do not need fertilizers. Prune intensively in spring to strengthen the plant. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds but it's a complicated process; it's easier to do it by cuttings in spring or autumn. |
Images of the shrub Leonotis leonurus or Lion's tail |
 Leonotis leonurus  Leonotis leonurus  Leonotis leonurus  Leonotis leonurus |