Leonotis leonurus f. orange (Lion’s Tail) Plant

Description

Orange flowering form of Leonotis leonurus.

Also known as Lion’s Tail, this perennial evergreen shrub is native to South Africa. Leonotis leonurus f. orange plants grow to a height of 1.5 metres with a spread of 1 metres. The stem is erect, with straggling branches; the leaves are dull green, narrow, serrated, 5-10cm long and rough; the flowers are orange, hooded tubular, and arranged in successive whorls up the stem.

Lion’s tail is traditionally used as a decoction, both topically and orally, in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions such as haemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes, boils, itching, muscular cramps, headache, epilepsy, chest infections, constipation, spider and snake bites. The dried leaves and flowers are also smoked to relieve epilepsy.

The leaves and flowers are reported to produce a mild euphoric effect when smoked and have been said to have a similar, although less potent, psychoactive effect to cannabis. In traditional African medicine, the leaves and flowers are brewed as a tea for medicinal uses including – upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, high blood pressure, hepatitis, muscle cramps and liver stagnation.

 

• Common Name.

Wild Dagga

 

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Cutting Grown Plant

 

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Leonotis leonurus f. orange plants prefers light to medium, free draining soil in an open, sunny position. It is drought and frost tender, however will survive occasional mild frosts.

Pruning: Leonotis leonurus benefits from regular pruning to maintain a compact shape, encourage branching, and promote abundant flowering. Lightly prune throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more flowering stems. In late winter or early spring, plants can be pruned more heavily to rejuvenate growth and encourage vigorous new shoots.

Pests and Diseases: Leonotis leonurus is generally a hardy, pest-resistant shrub and is rarely troubled by serious infestations. Its aromatic foliage can help deter some pests, making it a relatively low-maintenance garden plant. If infestations occur, promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage.

We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

 

 

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

 

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

 

Interested in Leonotis products? Have a look at these

Leonotis leonurus f. white (Lion’s Tail) Plant

Leonotis nepetifolia (Lion’s Ear) 50 Seeds

Leonotis leonurus (Lion’s Tail) 25:1 Extract 2.5g