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Leonotis leonorus

Lion's Tail

Plant photo of: Leonotis leonorus
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

This is an upright shrub to about 6' tall and wide. Lion's Tail provides both lush greenery and a durable, drought-tolerant shrub. Tubular, bright orange flowers are produced from summer through fall. Plants thrive in desert heat, and can be grown in containers, so plants can be moved to sheltered locations for frost protection.

Maintenance Tips

Leonotis leonorus is a great woody shrub for attracting birds, especially hummingbirds, and even contains medicinal properties. It is a woody shrub that typically grows 4-6’ tall and wide, with the showy orange flower stalks reaching another 6-12” beyond the foliage. It tends to become dense with cross branching, so thinning out the branches and allowing sunlight to the interior benefits the plant greatly. The winter is the best time to thin as it tends to go slightly deciduous with colder weather. Thinning once a year will greatly assist with maintaining a contained and natural shape. To keep the plant looking fresh, it is recommended to remove the flowers from the base of the stalk at the end of the flowering season.

 

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

Flower Color

Orange

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Patio, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.