
Details
Lion's Ear is a very unique looking plant. It is also known as Klip Dagga and Devil's Pincushion. Butterflies and hummingbirds love the wonderfully weird furry little flowers. Hummingbirds hover next to a flower or even perch right on a cluster and drink for 10 seconds or more at a time, longer than at most any other kind of flower. The flowers of the Lion's Ear plant are striking and last a long time when cut.
According to Wikipedia: "L. nepetifolia is known in Trinidad as shandilay and the leaves are brewed as a tea for fever, coughs and malaria."
It is native to tropical Africa and southern India. It can also be found growing abundantly in some parts of Mexico
It's carefree and easy to grow, and an absolute favorite with hummingbirds.
The flowers remind me of something out of a Dr. Seuss book. If you're looking for something new and different, this is a great plant to try!
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Leonotis nepetifolia |
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Life Cycle | Annual |
Min. Time to Germinate | 4 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 14 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/8 in. |
When to Sow | Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
Growing Height | 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
Plant Spacing | 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
Hardiness | N/A |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
Danger | Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling |
Bloom Color | Orange, Red-Orange |
Bloom Time | Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Fall, Mid-Summer |
Foliage | Aromatic |
Other Details | Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping, This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
Seed Collecting | Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds, Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed, Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds |
Seeds Per Pack | 50 |