Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Lion's Tail

Leonotis Leonurus

Design with this plant

Overview

Lion's Tail (Leonotis leonurus), also known as Wild Dagga, captivates with bright orange, tufted, globe-shaped blossoms atop tall, 4-6 foot stalks. Indigenous to South Africa, this sun-loving perennial thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and enjoys well-drained soils. Its eye-catching flowers bloom in summer to fall, while its whorled leaf arrangement adds lush texture. Drought-tolerant once established, it's a magnet for hummingbirds and pollinators, enhancing any water-wise garden design.

Sun FullWater Extra in Summer, Low, Very LowZones 9–11Type ShrubClimate Arid, Mediterranean
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — this plant provides a textural backdrop for other garden flora

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Extra in Summer, Low, Very Low
USDA zones
9–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Lamiaceae
Climate
Arid, Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (88)

Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — each about 2 inches across
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — each about 2 inches across; indigenous to South Africa, this sun-loving perennial thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and, image 60
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — Its eye-catching flowers bloom in summer to fall, while its whorled leaf arrangement adds lush texture, image 50
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — Often heralded for its bold and unique floral display; each about 2 inches across, image 55
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — this plant provides a textural backdrop for other garden flora; it is well-suited to xeriscaping
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — shrub for full
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — captivates with bright orange
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — shrub with orange blooms
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — which bloom profusely in late summer to fall; this plant provides a textural backdrop for other garden flora
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — it's a favorite among gardeners looking to add a dash of exotic flair to their landscapes; orange flowers in the garden
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — captivates with bright orange; its eye-catching flowers bloom in summer to fall, while its whorled leaf arrangement adds lush
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — though occasional deadheading can promote further flowering.<br><br>With its lush; captivates with bright orange
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — enhancing the natural charm of the design; shrub with orange blooms, image 66
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — This plant has an erect and branching habit; drought-tolerant once established
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — which bloom profusely in late summer to fall
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — though occasional deadheading can promote further flowering.<br><br>With its lush
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — that can grow up to 6 inches long; the Lion's Tail, scientifically named Leonotis leonurus, is a striking, image 64
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — globe-shaped blossoms atop tall; this plant has an erect and branching habit, image 48
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — shrub for full; enhancing the natural charm of the design
Lion's Tail (Leonotis Leonurus) — which bloom profusely in late summer to fall; this plant provides a textural backdrop for other garden flora, image 59
Leonotis Leonurus
Leonotis Leonurus
Leonotis Leonurus
Leonotis Leonurus
Photographs by 12 contributors

Related plants

African Blue Basil (Ocimum Basilicum 'African Blue') — is a perennial hybrid basil with a robust growth habit

Herb

African Blue Basil

Ocimum Basilicum 'African Blue'

FullUSDA 8–10
Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera Cuneata) — shrub for full or half or shade

Shrub

Alpine Mint Bush

Prostanthera Cuneata

FullUSDA 8–10
Amazel Basil® Sweet Italian Basil (Ocimum basilicum) — The Ocimum is a vigorous sweet Italian basil with glossy green

Amazel Basil® Sweet Italian Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Full
Anise- Scented Sage (Salvia Guaranitica) — Deadheading spent flowers can promote continuous blooming

Perennial

Anise- Scented Sage

Salvia Guaranitica

FullUSDA 9–10
Anne Greenway Dead Nettle (Lamium Maculatum 'Anne Greenway') — is a vibrant and low-maintenance perennial perfect for brightening up shaded areas in the

Ground cover

Anne Greenway Dead Nettle

Lamium Maculatum 'Anne Greenway'

HalfUSDA 3–8
Annual Lion's Ear (Leonotis Nepetifolia) — bright orange blooms resembling a lion's mane

Annual

Annual Lion's Ear

Leonotis Nepetifolia

FullUSDA 8–10