How to Grow Lion's Ear
Lion's Ear
Leonotis leonurus
shrubLion's Ear is a striking South African shrub known for its vibrant orange tubular flowers arranged in dense whorls along tall spikes, resembling a lion's mane. The plant features soft, velvety foliage and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms. It grows 4-6 feet tall and blooms prolifically from summer through fall.
When should you plant Lion's Ear in your zone?
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Example Lion's Ear timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lion's Ear
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lion's Ear
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lion's Ear dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Get my Lion's Ear timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall tender plants with soft, hairy leaves emerging from soil. Cotyledons followed by true leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksBushy growth with increasingly larger soft, wrinkled leaves along branching stems. Plant develops fuller structure.
Water regularly; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier branching. Provide full sun exposure.
Budding
2-3 weeksDistinctive flower buds appear as dense clusters at stem tips. Buds elongate into tight whorls before opening.
Maintain consistent watering. Apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support flowering. Continue providing full sun.
Flowering
6-12 weeksVibrant orange tubular flowers open in successive whorls up the flower spike, creating a striking stacked effect.
Deadhead spent whorls to encourage continued blooming. Water during dry periods. Deadheading extends bloom season significantly.
Seed Production & Decline
4-8 weeksIf left undeadheaded, flowers develop fuzzy seed heads. Foliage may become sparse; plant prepares for dormancy.
Allow some flowers to set seed if desired for self-sowing or collection. In mild climates, cut back plant by half in late fall. In cold areas, dig and store or treat as annual.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase humidity slightly around plant.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Remove by hand or spray with horticultural oil. Prune out heavily infested branches.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur dust or fungicide if severe. Remove affected leaves.
Uses
Herbal Tea
CulinaryLeonotis leaves can be dried and brewed into a traditional South African tea known for its mild flavor and potential digestive benefits. The tea has been used in traditional medicine across southern Africa. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalLion's Ear has been used in traditional African and South American medicine to support respiratory health and immune function. Various parts of the plant are utilized in herbal preparations. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting local pollinator populations in warm climates. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe striking orange flower spikes are excellent as cut flowers for fresh arrangements and dried arrangements, providing long-lasting visual interest and height to bouquets. [source]
Dried Botanicals
CraftFlower spikes dry beautifully and can be used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects. The fuzzy seed heads are particularly decorative. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest spikes when lower whorls are fully open and upper buds are showing color; they last 7-10 days in water. For seeds, allow flowers to dry on plant, then collect fuzzy seed heads and dry indoors before extracting seeds. Harvest in morning after dew dries.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Lion's Ear' refers to the resemblance of the stacked flower whorls to a lion's mane when viewed from above, and it's also called 'Minaret Flower' for its tower-like bloom spike.
- 🌱 Leonotis is native to South Africa and has naturalized in many warm regions worldwide; it's sometimes considered invasive in Mediterranean climates due to its vigorous growth and prolific self-seeding.
- 🌱 The plant has been used in traditional South African and Brazilian folk medicine for centuries, and modern research is exploring its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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