Lion's ear is a tropical shrub native to South Africa that brings dramatic orange flowers and architectural presence to gardens in zones 8-11. Leonotis leonurus grows rapidly from seed, reaching 3 to 6 feet tall in a single season when planted in early spring, producing tiered whorls of tubular two-lipped flowers that encircle square stems like a maned crown. The flower petals purportedly resemble lions' ears, earning this plant its evocative common name. In colder regions, it flourishes as an annual bedding plant or tender perennial grown indoors over winter. Aromatic lance-shaped leaves add texture between the showy fall blooms.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-11
72in H x 36in W
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High
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Lion's ear grows with almost startling vigor from seed, easily reaching 3 to 6 feet in a single season and producing those unmistakable tiered orange flower whorls by fall. The square stems and aromatic foliage are distinctly mint family in character, while the tubular blooms that encircle the stems like a botanical crown give this plant an almost architectural presence in the garden. It thrives on moderate water and low maintenance once established, asking only for full sun and warm conditions to perform its rapid transformation from spring seedling to towering fall spectacle.
Lion's ear functions as a dynamic seasonal ornamental, valued for its architectural form and showy fall flowers in mixed borders and containers. In zones 8-11, it performs as a perennial shrub; in colder regions, it serves as a striking annual bedding plant or conservatory specimen overwintered indoors. The rapid growth from spring seed to towering autumn blooms makes it particularly useful for gardeners seeking immediate visual impact or for filling seasonal gaps in the garden with minimal fuss.
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Start seed indoors in winter for spring transplanting, or sow directly in the garden before the last frost date for fall flowering. Sow seeds on a warm seedbed and keep consistently moist until germination; transplant seedlings once they have developed true leaves.
Transplant seedlings out after the last frost date in early spring when soil has warmed. Space plants 18-36 inches apart to account for their mature width. In zones 8-11, newly planted seedlings will grow rapidly and reach flowering size by fall.
Sow seed directly in the garden before the last frost date for fall blooming. Press seed lightly into warm, moist soil and keep consistently moist until germination.
Pinch back young plants early in the season if you prefer bushier, more branched growth; otherwise allow the plant to develop its natural tall, single-stem form. In zones 8-11 where it persists as a perennial, pruning after flowering or in late winter will help maintain shape and encourage vigorous regrowth the following season.
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“Leonotis leonurus hails from South Africa, where it evolved as a tropical shrub adapted to warm, seasonally dry climates. The plant's journey to cultivation in temperate regions reflects the Victorian era's fascination with South African flora and the practical innovation of gardeners working in cooler zones. North of zone 8, adaptable cultivators discovered it could be grown successfully as an annual from spring-sown seed or overwintered indoors as a tender perennial, effectively bringing a tropical plant within reach of gardeners in St. Louis, London, and beyond. This flexibility transformed Lion's ear from an exotic curiosity into a genuinely accessible addition to seasonal gardens.”