Lion's Ear

Leonotis leonurus

$20.00
Low Stock

| Hardiness Zones 8-9

Lion's Ear is a South African perennial or tender shrub to 6 or 7 feet. It has showy whorls of orange flowers in summer. The oblong leaves are frost tender and the whole plant may be killed back in cold weather. In much of the South it is a dependable perennial if planted in a sunny, well-drained soil, kept on the dry side, and if the base of the plant is mounded with coarse sand and mulched for the winter.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 8 - 9
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 4 - 6 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 2 - 4 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Deciduous
Flower/Foliage

Flower Description:
- **Color:** The flowers of **Leonotis leonurus** are bright orange and tubular, arranged in dense, spherical clusters that encircle the stems, creating a striking visual.
- **Bloom Time:** It typically blooms from late summer to fall, sometimes extending into early winter in warm climates.
- **Shape:** The tubular flowers are about 2 inches long and have a fuzzy texture, giving them a "lion's ear" appearance, which is how the plant gets its common name.
- **Attractiveness:** These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, especially hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Foliage Description:
- **Color:** The foliage is a rich, deep green, providing a beautiful contrast to the bright orange flowers.
- **Shape:** The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring about 3 to 6 inches in length.
- **Texture:** The leaves have a slightly serrated edge and are smooth, giving them a sleek appearance.
- **Evergreen:** In mild climates (zones 9-11), Leonotis leonurus remains evergreen, retaining its foliage year-round. In cooler zones, it may lose leaves after frost.

orange
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Sunlight:
- Full Sun: This plant thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate partial shade but will produce fewer flowers.

Soil:
- Well-Draining Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water, as Leonotis leonurus is sensitive to waterlogging.
- pH Range: Neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5 to 7.5) is ideal.

Watering:
- Drought-Tolerant: Water young plants regularly until established. Once established, Leonotis leonurus is quite drought-toler

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.