Annual Lion's Ear
Leonotis Nepetifolia
Overview
The Annual Lion's Ear (Leonotis nepetifolia), grows up to 5-6 feet tall and spreads approximately 2-3 feet wide. Recognized for its whorls of tubular, bright orange blooms resembling a lion's mane, this plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Blooming from late summer to fall, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, adding vibrant vertical interest to mixed borders. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for warm climates.
Culture
- Sun
- Full, Half
- Water
- Medium
- USDA zones
- 8–10
Shape & size
Classification
- Type
- Annual
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Climate
- Subtropical
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (25)
























Photographs by 5 contributors
- Quartl, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Amazonia Exotics U.K, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us · source
Related plants

Herb
African Blue Basil
Ocimum Basilicum 'African Blue'

Shrub
Alpine Mint Bush
Prostanthera Cuneata

Amazel Basil® Sweet Italian Basil
Ocimum basilicum

Perennial
Anise- Scented Sage
Salvia Guaranitica

Ground cover
Anne Greenway Dead Nettle
Lamium Maculatum 'Anne Greenway'

Herb
Arp Rosemary
Rosmarinus Officinalis 'Arp'