The Lionheart Flower is a distinctive and vibrant addition to gardens, valued for its unique form and striking appearance. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for diversifying plant collections.
Identifying the Lionheart Flower
The Lionheart Flower, scientifically Leonotis leonurus, is also known as Lion’s Ear, Lion’s Tail, and Wild Dagga. This broadleaf evergreen shrub is native to South Africa.
It features tall, erect stems, 2 to 3 meters (7 to 10 feet) high and 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide. Its most striking feature is the tubular, often bright orange flowers, arranged in tiered whorls around the top half of its square stems. These fuzzy, two-lipped flowers, about 5 cm long, resemble a lion’s ear. Its lance-shaped, dark green leaves are typically 5 to 12 cm long and aromatic when crushed.
Cultivating Lionheart Flower
The Lionheart Flower thrives in full sun, ideally at least six hours daily, as ample sunlight encourages abundant blooms. While it can tolerate light shade, flowering may be reduced. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, but well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. Loamy or sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred.
Once established, Leonotis leonurus is drought tolerant. During its active growing season, regular watering is beneficial, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. For young plants, consistent moisture is important for establishment. Lionheart Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11, where it can be grown as a perennial. In colder climates, it is often treated as an annual or grown in containers and brought indoors during winter, as temperatures below 20-25°F can cause damage.
Fertilizing is not always necessary, as it thrives even in poorer soils. However, young plants can benefit from phosphorus to support root development. For established plants, a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio, applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season can promote healthy growth and flowering. Pruning is important for maintaining the plant’s shape, size, and encouraging more blossoms. In frost-prone regions, prune hard in early spring after the danger of frost has passed, cutting stems back to about 15 cm (6 inches) from the ground. Deadheading spent flowers also encourages continued blooming.
Propagating Lionheart Flower
Lionheart Flower can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Starting seeds indoors is best done in late winter, around February or March, before the last frost. Sow the seeds on the surface of a good seed compost, covering them with a thin layer. Maintain a temperature of 18-20°C (64-68°F) for germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Placing a clear plastic bag over the pot can help retain moisture and warmth, but it should be removed once germination occurs to lower the temperature.
Greenwood cuttings are best taken in early spring to mid-summer. Select flowerless shoots that are approximately 4 to 6 inches long and remove the leaves from the bottom section to reduce moisture loss. Plant these cuttings in a well-draining mix, such as a cactus mix or a blend of sand and peat moss. Keep the planting medium consistently moist and place the cuttings in bright, indirect light until roots develop, which typically occurs within a few weeks.
Harnessing the Benefits of Lionheart Flower
The Lionheart Flower offers significant ornamental appeal, with its unique, vibrant orange blooms appearing from late spring through fall. This long flowering season provides continuous color and striking visual impact, enhancing borders, large containers, or serving as a focal point.
Leonotis leonurus attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, contributing to local biodiversity.
Its established drought tolerance makes it suitable for water-wise gardening and xeriscaping, requiring less supplemental irrigation.