Care of the plant Leonotis nepetifolia or Klip dagga |
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The genus Leonotis, family Lamiaceae, comprises 35 species of shrubs native to Africa and Madagascar. Some species are: Leonotis nepetifolia, Leonotis leonurus, Leonotis africana, Leonotis dubia, Leonotis capensis. Common names: Klip dagga, Christmas candlestick, Lion's ear. This species is native to tropical Africa and southern India. They are annual plants with erect and hairy stems that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves have a serrated edge and an ovate or lanceolate shape. The lipped flowers are orange (sometimes red, white or purple) appear in inflorescences with the shape of globose whorls. They can bloom from spring to early winter. They are decorative even when they dry at the end of their life cycle. They are used on borders and on the back of flowerbeds with shorter plants in front. Leonotis nepetifolia needs full sun exposure and a warm tropical or subtropical climate. They do not resist frost. They can grow in any type of soil, even in dry, stony or clay soils. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. Fertilize with compost in early spring. They do not need pruning but their expansion should be monitored because they tend to become invasive. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases. They propagate easily from seeds sown directly to their final location in late winter. |
Images of the plant Leonotis nepetifolia or Klip dagga |
 Leonotis nepetifolia  Leonotis nepetifolia  Leonotis nepetifolia |