Lions Tail Plant Care

Lions Tail (Leonotis leonurus) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Leonotis genus. Lions Tail is native to South Africa. Lions Tail is also known as Lion's Ear, Wild Dagga, Kanak.

Lions Tail displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Lions Tail produces tubular orange or red flowers in whorls around the stem.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lions Tail every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Lions Tail thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Leonotis leonurus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Lions Tail prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Lions Tail to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lions Tail every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lions Tail is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Lions Tail can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Lions Tail while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Lions Tail is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Lions Tail can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Lions Tail is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Lions Tail grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Lions Tail is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Lions Tail as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.