Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers moderate moisture but is quite drought tolerant once established.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it does very well in large containers if provided with excellent drainage.

Plant guide

Lion's Ear.

Leonotis leonurus

Pronounced lee-oh-NO-tis lee-oh-NOO-rus

Also known as Cape Hemp, Common Lion's Ear, Common Lionspaw, Leonotis, Lion's ear, Lion's tail, Narrow-Leaved Leonotis, Narrow-leaved Minaret Flower

Common Lionspaw — Photo by Jason Myhill (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

Lion's ear is a striking shrub known for its unique, fuzzy orange flowers that resemble a lion's mane. It thrives in warm climates and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. This plant brings a bold, architectural look to any sunny landscape.

Another photo of Lion's Ear — Photo by Tony Rebelo (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 11
Bloom time: Late summer to autumn

Care

Plant in well-draining soil and provide plenty of sun to encourage heavy blooming. Prune back hard after flowering to keep the plant tidy and promote vigorous growth for the next season. Watch for aphids or whiteflies during dry spells.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings as this plant is quite drought tolerant once established.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season to support flower production.
Pruning: Cut the stems back to the ground or by half after the flowering period ends to maintain shape.
Repotting: Repot in early spring if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Sandy, loamy, well-draining
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -7 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic but should not be ingested.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The stems are somewhat woody and can be sharp, so keep them away from small children.
Contact allergens: The stems have fine hairs that can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may trigger mild reactions in those with seasonal allergies.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Whorls of tubular orange flowers
Fuzzy, velvety flower texture
Narrow, serrated green leaves
Tall, square, woody stems

Height: 1.2 to 2m
Spread: 0.9 to 1.5m
Leaves: green, semi-evergreen
Flowers: orange, 4 to 6cm

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
WhiteflyCommon
Powdery MildewUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: In colder regions, cut the plant back after the first frost and provide a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots.
In containers: It grows well in pots at least 40 centimeters wide to accommodate its root system.

Stem Cuttings

Take a 10 centimeter cutting from non-flowering growth.
Remove the lower leaves.
Place in moist potting mix until roots form.

Group this plant with other sun-loving perennials to create a vibrant late-season display.

Grows well with

Salvia · They share similar water and sun requirements.
Lantana · Both plants attract pollinators and love the heat.

Similar species

Lion's Ear · It is a close relative with a similar appearance.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Leonotis
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South Africa
Conservation: This plant is not currently of conservation concern.

It grows in open grasslands and rocky slopes where it relies on nectar-feeding birds for pollination.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Uses: ornamental, pollinator garden, cut flowers

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 4/9
Salinity: 2/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers moderate moisture but is quite drought tolerant once established.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it does very well in large containers if provided with excellent drainage.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Leonotis comes from the Greek words for lion and ear, referring to the flower shape.

Good to know

It is native to South Africa.
The plant is often called lion's tail.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
It is a member of the mint family.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.