Lion's Ear

Lion's Ear (Leonotis leonurus)

Lion's Ear, also known as lion's tail, is a bold, upright flowering plant that brings vivid orange color and strong structure to hot, sunny gardens. Tall stems stack tiered rings of fuzzy, tubular blooms that keep showing up from summer into fall, adding a late-season punch when many beds start to fade. The aromatic foliage and tough nature make it a practical choice for gardeners who want impact without constant pampering. Plant it where you want height, pollinator activity, and a confident, tropical look.

Distinctive Features

Bright orange, two-lipped tubular flowers appear in dense whorls that encircle the upper stems, creating a dramatic, architectural silhouette. Bloom season commonly runs from late spring through fall in warm climates, with strongest display in summer and fall, and the flowers are rich in nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators. Leaves are narrow to lance-shaped and aromatic when crushed, adding texture and scent even when the plant is not in peak bloom. In frost-free areas it behaves as a woody-based shrub, while in colder parts of its range it may freeze back and regrow from the base.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun, with light shade tolerated, but flowering is best in strong sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil, including sandy or gravelly ground, and avoid consistently wet sites.
• Water: Low to medium, water to establish, then water deeply during extended drought.
• USDA Zones: 8 to 11.
• Mature Size: About 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.
• Notable Traits: Heat tolerant, aromatic foliage, strong pollinator plant, and drought tolerant once established.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant a single specimen or a small group where the stacked orange flower whorls create a bold focal point from summer into fall.
• Back Border Structure: Use in the back of sunny borders to add height and a clean vertical line without a solid wall.
• Pollinator Gardens: Include near patios or paths to enjoy hummingbirds and beneficial insect activity up close.
• Hot, Dry Beds: Plant in tough sunny spots where many flowering plants struggle, especially with sharp drainage.
• Large Containers: Grow in big pots for a dramatic seasonal centerpiece that can be moved or protected in cooler climates.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency and avoid soggy soil.
• Pruning: Cut back in late winter to early spring to control size and encourage fresh, vigorous flowering stems.
• Staking: Stake lightly in windy sites if tall stems lean, especially in richer soils.
• Feeding: Use light feeding in spring if needed, because overly rich soil can produce soft growth.
• Cold Weather: Protect from hard freezes, and in zone 8 expect possible dieback with regrowth from the base in spring.

Why Choose Lion's Ear?

• Bold Orange Bloom: Tiered whorls of fuzzy orange flowers deliver high impact through the warm season.
• Heat and Drought Tolerance: Performs strongly in hot sun once established, especially in well-drained soil.
• Pollinator Magnet: Nectar-rich blooms draw hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial visitors.
• Architectural Habit: Upright stems add height and structure that makes borders look designed.
• Low Browsing Pressure: Generally deer resistant, helping the planting stay presentable through the season.

If you want a tall, dramatic plant that thrives in sun and keeps color going late, Lion's Ear is a strong choice. Give it drainage, a sunny spot, and a sensible first season of watering, and it will reward you with stacked orange blooms and steady garden activity. It is especially effective when repeated, because the vertical form creates rhythm and depth across the entire border.