Leonotis nepetifolia seeds - Lion's tail

Leonotis nepetifolia is a large perennial of tropical origin, usually grown as an annual in our climate. Fast-growing and flowering from summer after an early sowing in the warm, it has a charming, architectural presence. The plant, with its long, slender stems and fairly dark green leaves, produces curious orange flowering in whorls arranged in tiers along the upper part. Ideal for adding an exotic touch to a border, it will also look at home in a contemporary garden. Frost-tender, it can only be planted outdoors in the most sheltered gardens. Elsewhere, it can be grown as a perennial to overwinter under cover, or more simply as an annual.

Leonotis belongs to the large Lamiaceae family, rich in 7,500 species, including many aromatic plants (Mint, Rosemary, Oregano...) as well as ornamental plants, such as the graceful Perovskias or Callicarpa with its decorative berries, formerly classified among the Verbenaceae. There are only about ten species of Leonotis, the most widespread being Leonotis leonurus, or Lion's Tail, a general common name that also refers to Leonotis nepetifolia (literally with Nepeta-like leaves). This tall perennial is native to tropical East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) and, due to its abundant seed production and rapid growth, has become naturalised in many warm regions of the globe (Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean...). In these climates, it can reach 2.50 m to 3m in height, whereas it will most often reach 1.50 m or 2m in the Mediterranean. In tropical climates, it is a short-lived perennial plant. In our climate, we can grow it as an orangery plant to enjoy it for 2 or 3 years by overwintering it frost-free. Sown early in spring, the plant develops very quickly, forming a 70 to 90cm wide clump. The square-sectioned stems (a fairly common characteristic of the Lamiaceae) are relatively sturdy, but can break in strong winds. They bear opposite leaves, arranged in pairs, triangular or diamond-shaped in outline. The fairly dark green leaf has a toothed margin and a slightly rough surface. When crushed, the leaves release a slight scent, of no particular aromatic interest. Flowering takes place from July to October in our latitudes, in the form of whorls of cymes. These spherical inflorescences resemble small green sea urchins with orange tubular flowers approximately 2cm long. With a total diameter of around 5cm, the spiny inflorescences are arranged like the tiers of a pagoda at the tips of the tall, well-erect stems. Their warm colour is clearly visible from afar, creating a pleasing contrast against the darker vegetation. Renewing themselves over several months in the garden, they can be used to make lovely flower arrangements, fresh or dried, as their sculptural quality is very useful in floral art.

Sowing Leonotis nepetifolia is easy and, at little cost, you can obtain a quantity of young plants that will create a fine splash of colour in an exotic-inspired border. You can pair it with other distinctive plants such as the spectacular Castor Oil plants with their large palmate leaves, or the Cleomes whose flowers exude a spider-like grace, such as the variety 'White Queen', whose white flowers will blend harmoniously with the orange ones of your Lion's Tail.