Leonotis leonurus

A robust evergreen shrub that grows up to 2m tall and 1.5m wide.

Flowers profusely during late summer and autumn with bright orange flowers in compact clusters in whorls along the flower stalk. The long linear leaves are hairy and slightly fragrant. Stems are velvety and woody at the base.

Prefers growing in free draining loamy soils, well composted and in with full sun. This plant is also drought tolerant and frost hardy.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains when the soil is moist and warm allows trees and shrubs to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Shrubs may be planted at anytime throughout the year provided they are well watered during dry periods. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding gypsum and extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand bark and compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Unless the soil is very wet water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball. Apply mulch also this will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds; organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems.

Except on very fertile soils an annual light dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser in spring is beneficial. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots.

Once Leonotis gets reasonably large they get quite woody at the base and very tall so may require some staking or support. If they get too large without support then the large stems will split off the base of the plant and the centre will open up and possibly collapse especially in windier sites.

Prune all plants after flowering to keep them compact and promote growth of next seasons flowering wood. Alternatively, just prune once the plant gets large enough to need reducing in size.

Leonotis are able to be pruned back relatively hard.

It should be well watered in summer but does not require much water in the winter months. Plants should be cut right back at the end of winter. Propagate from seed or semi-ripe cuttings. Small young plants are easier to establish than larger more mature ones and will grow quickly when planted in autumn when soil is moist and warm. See our leaflet on Propagation for more information.

This is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife to your garden as the flowers profuse copious nectar which attracts birds bees and butterflies.

Generally no pest and disease issues.

Perennial Garden