Lion's tail (Leonotis leonurus)

Also known as: Lion's ear, Minaret Flower

The Lion's Tail (Leonotis leonurus) is an evergreen shrub indigenous to southern Africa. Renowned for its striking orange blossoms, it thrives in hot, arid conditions and is grown globally. Its nectar is a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and African sunbirds, whose beaks are perfectly adapted to access the curved flowers.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Lion's tail

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Spread

1.2 m to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Orange White

Images of Lion's tail

Quickly Identify Lion's tail

Erect shrub, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) tall with herbaceous stems

Dark green lanceolate leaves, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long with serrated edges

Fuzzy, curved, tubular orange flowers in tiered whorls on upper stems

Orange tubular blooms, 1.5 inches (4 cm) long, with two-lipped structure

Distinctive vein pattern on smooth, dark green leaves for easy identification

Scientific Classification of Lion's tail

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Mint

Genus

Lion's ears

Species

Lion's tail

Planting and Growing of Lion's tail

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Lion's tail?

Water the Leonotis leonurus with around 500 milliliters each time. It is vital to moisten the soil thoroughly without leaving it soggy. Ensure the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely wet, then allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Lion's tail? ›

What should I do if my Lion's tail is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Lion's tail? ›

How to save an overwatered Lion's tail? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Lion's tail?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Leonotis leonurus thrives in full sun, and ideal light ensures maximum blooms, healthy foliage, and a strong, resilient structure that can withstand environmental stressors.

How much sunlight does it need? ›

What is the best placement for ideal light? ›

How can you ensure optimal light conditions? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Lion's tail?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Leonotis leonurus, also known as the Lion's Ear, is between 65°F to 75°F. This range allows the plant to thrive, promoting robust growth and vibrant blooms. Ensuring temperatures within this range helps the plant to maintain its health and vitality.

What Soil is Best for Lion's tail?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Leonotis leonurus thrives in well-drained soils that prevent water from pooling around its roots, which could lead to rot. Ensuring good drainage helps the plant maintain healthy root systems and supports its robust growth. This plant benefits from soils that are moderately rich in organic matter, supplying essential nutrients that promote vigorous foliage and abundant flowering. The presence of organic material enhances the soil's fertility and contributes to the overall health of the plant. A soil with a lightweight structure, such as sandy or loam soils, allows for ease of root penetration, supporting deeper rooting and better access to moisture and nutrients. This enhances the plant's stability and resilience. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Lion's tail?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Leonotis leonurus plants require a balanced approach to fertilization. During the growing season, use a water-soluble liquid fertilizer at half strength. This ensures that nutrients are available but not overwhelming, supporting healthy growth without risking nutrient burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Lion's tail?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Ensure your pruning shears or scissors are clean and sharp before starting. This helps make precise cuts and prevents the spread of diseases from plant to plant. If necessary, sterilize your tools with alcohol or a bleach solution. When pruning, it's crucial to make cuts just above a node or a set of leaves. This is where new growth will emerge. Identifying the right nodes ensures that your plant will grow back healthier and bushier. Make all cuts at a 45-degree angle to allow water to run off, reducing the chance of rot. This angle also encourages faster healing and prevents moisture accumulation, which can lead to disease. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Lion's tail plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Summer

Choose disease-free, vigorous stems for cuttings or ripe seeds for propagation. This ensures that the new plants will have the best start.

Use a well-draining mix, such as a combination of potting soil and perlite, to promote healthy root growth in both seeds and cuttings.

Optionally, dip the cut end of a cutting into rooting hormone to enhance root growth and increase the success rate of propagation.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Lion's tail plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Leonotis leonurus requires repotting when you observe roots circling the pot's edge or growing out of drainage holes. These signs indicate that the plant is pot-bound and needs more space to thrive. Repotting during the growing season ensures that the plant quickly adapts to its new environment, allowing for robust development.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one and has good drainage. A terracotta pot works well as it allows airflow to the roots and prevents waterlogging. Opting for a pot with drainage holes ensures that excess water can escape, reducing the risk of root rot and keeping your plant healthier.

For Leonotis leonurus, use a well-draining loamy soil mix. This ensures proper air circulation around the roots and prevents water retention, which can lead to root rot. Including perlite or sand in the mix increases drainage, reducing excess moisture, beneficial for plants adapted to dry conditions.