Leonotis leonorus
Lion's Tail
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:
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.