Species lion's ear
vibrant orange, feathery flower with green stem

lion's ear

Leonotis leonurus

Lion's Ear (Leonotis leonurus) is an exotic flowering shrub native to South Africa, that has become popular in home gardens. It is an evergreen, rapidly growing to 4-7 feet in height and width and is decorated with fragrant, fuzzy orange-red blooms from summer until fall. Its foliage is soft, gray-green, and fuzzy. Its flowers reach up to 3 inches long, adding to the dramatic effect of the plant. Lion's Ear is well-suited to warm, humid climates and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal care. Best sited in sunny, well-drained soil, it makes a great hedge and back-of-border specimen, adding a wild, colourful flair to the landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 11

Flowers:

Orange Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Fruits:

yellow,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Lion's Ear plant should be watered once every 7 to 10 days during its active growing season. You should water the plant deeply, allowing the soil to become slightly moist but not wet. During the winter months, reduce watering to once per month. When watering your Lion's Ear plant, be sure to use room temperature water as cold water can shock the plant.

sunlight

Lion's ear plants require substantial direct sunlight in order to thrive. They should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is recommended for best results, and late afternoon sun should be avoided as it can be too powerful for this plant species. Placement in a south facing window is ideal if kept indoors.

pruning

Pruning is usually done in the early spring, ideally beginning when the plant is still flowering. Pruning should consisit of removing 1-third to 1-half of the entire plant, to ensure that it does not become overly large and leggy. Thinning out the canes to direct growth will create a fuller and more lush form that presents an array of flowers. Pruning also helps to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Leonotis leonurus typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Leonotis leonurus typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Leonotis leonurus typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Leonotis leonurus typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map