The Lion’s Paw plant offers a striking addition to garden landscapes. Its vibrant blooms and unique form make it a favored choice for visual interest.
Understanding Lion’s Paw Plant
The Lion’s Paw plant, scientifically Leonotis leonurus, is also known as Lion’s Tail or Lion’s Ear. This broadleaf evergreen shrub is native to South Africa, thriving in natural settings like grasslands and rocky areas. Its most recognizable feature is the tubular, fuzzy, bright orange flowers, about 2 inches long, arranged in tiered whorls around the upright, square stems. These flower clusters resemble a lion’s ear or paw, contributing to its common names. The dark green, lance-shaped leaves, 2 to 6 inches long, emit a pleasant aroma when crushed.
Cultivating Lion’s Paw Plant
Lion’s Paw flourishes in full sun, needing six or more hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering. While it tolerates some partial shade in very hot climates, full sun yields the best blooms. This plant adapts well to various soil types with good drainage. Sandy or loamy soils are suitable, and adding compost improves structure and fertility.
Once established, Lion’s Paw tolerates considerable drought. Regular watering during dry or hot weather supports vigorous growth and extended blooming. Young plants need consistent moisture, while mature plants can endure longer intervals between waterings.
Leonotis leonurus prefers warm climates and is a tender perennial, surviving temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). In colder zones, it can be cultivated as an annual or overwintered indoors; mulching around the crown helps protect it. Fertilization is minimal; the plant is not a heavy feeder and thrives in less fertile soils. An annual application of well-processed compost provides sufficient nutrients without extensive chemical fertilizers. Pruning after flowering maintains a dense, bushy shape and encourages new growth and subsequent blooms.
Propagation and Common Uses
Lion’s Paw can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds can be started indoors in late winter or early spring, germinating within two to three weeks when kept moist and warm. For outdoor planting, sow seeds directly before the last frost. Stem cuttings, taken in late spring to midsummer, root well. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long, planted in a well-draining mix, and kept moist in light shade until roots develop.
Beyond propagation, Lion’s Paw serves several purposes. Its ornamental value makes it a popular choice for borders, mixed beds, and large containers. The vibrant orange flowers attract pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Historically, Leonotis leonurus has also been recognized for its traditional medicinal uses in its native South Africa.