Plant Profile: Leonotis leonurus

Lions Tail is a semi-evergreen shrub that stands upright, belonging to the mint family, characterized by its woody base and herbaceous stems. It features striking clusters of bright orange, hairy, two-lipped tubular flowers, making it an attractive choice for floral arrangements. Native to South Africa, this resilient plant thrives in extreme heat, drought, and arid soils. Although it may die back to the ground during winter, it typically regrows from its hardened wood in spring, which is why it is often classified as a perennial. To enhance its chances of survival, mulching around the crown in winter is advisable. Annual pruning after flowering helps maintain a lush, bushy appearance.

This plant can be used as a natural screen or allowed to self-seed and integrate into the landscape. Its nectar is a favorite among pollinators, frequently attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, while deer tend to avoid it. Propagation can be achieved through green stem cuttings or by sowing seeds in the garden prior to the last frost.