Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as Lion’s Tail or Lion’s Ear, is a striking broadleaf evergreen shrub native to South Africa. This plant is recognized for its tall, statuesque stalks adorned with vibrant, tubular orange flowers that appear in tiered whorls, resembling a lion’s mane or tail. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Lion’s Tail also attracts pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, enriching garden biodiversity. Propagating this unique plant, whether to expand your garden, share with others, or preserve specific traits, can be achieved effectively through either seed or cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Propagating Leonotis leonurus from seed is a way to grow new plants. While seeds can sometimes be collected from mature plants, when purchasing, ensure they are Leonotis leonurus and not a similar species like Leonotis nepetifolia. The optimal time for sowing seeds indoors is late winter or early spring, February or March, allowing seedlings to establish before outdoor planting after the last frost.
Sow the seeds on the surface of seed compost or a sandy potting mix. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost, as light aids germination. Maintain warmth, with ideal temperatures ranging from 18 to 28°C (64 to 82°F). Covering the seed tray with a clear plastic bag or dome maintains consistent moisture and warmth, mimicking a greenhouse.
Germination occurs within two to six weeks. Once seedlings emerge, remove the plastic covering for air circulation and temperature reduction. Ensure the growing medium remains moist, not waterlogged. As seedlings grow, they will appear tall and somewhat resemble nettle seedlings initially.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagating Leonotis leonurus from cuttings is another reliable method, often faster than seed propagation. The best type of cuttings are greenwood or semi-hardwood, taken in late spring to mid-summer. Look for healthy, non-flowering shoots 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length.
Prepare the cutting by removing leaves from the bottom, leaving only a few at the top. This reduces water loss through transpiration, allowing energy to focus on root development. While optional, dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone can enhance rooting.
Plant the prepared cuttings into a well-draining rooting medium, such as sand and peat moss mix, or a cactus mix. Ensure the medium is moist but not saturated. Place the potted cuttings in a location with bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sun to prevent scorching. Providing a humid environment, such as covering the pot with a plastic bag, promotes rooting. Roots begin to form within a few weeks.
Caring for Young Plants
Once Leonotis leonurus seedlings have germinated and grown, or cuttings have rooted, they are ready for transplanting. Seedlings 20 mm tall or with a few true leaves can be transplanted into individual 7.5 cm (3 inches) pots. Rooted cuttings can be moved into larger containers once roots are established.
Before transplanting young plants outdoors, harden them off gradually. This involves slowly acclimatizing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two, exposing them to increasing sun, wind, and cooler temperatures. Lion’s Tail thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily, and prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil, neutral to slightly alkaline.
When transplanting into the garden, space plants 1 to 1.25 meters (3 to 4 feet) apart for mature size. Water young plants regularly for establishment, though mature plants become drought tolerant. While Leonotis leonurus can grow in poor soils, incorporating compost or organic matter improves soil fertility. Young plants may benefit from a balanced fertilizer with higher phosphorus during initial growth for root development. Apply fertilizer according to product instructions, every four to six weeks during the growing season.