How to Grow and Care for Lion's Tail

Lion's tail, also called lion's ear, is a tall, tropical orange flowering shrub with a statuesque stalk and showy, bright red-orange blooms full of nectar. Lion's tail is relatively easy to grow in a subtropical setting, but in more temperate regions, it can grow as an annual. It grows best in hot, dry conditions, requires full sunlight for six or more hours a day, and prefers well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil. Lion's tail cannot withstand temperatures that dip down to 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lion's Tail Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing lion's tail.

• Plant the flower in full sun but with some afternoon shade if you live in a very hot climate.
• Watering lion's tail plants can be tricky; offer young plants more summer waterings, and offer mature plants less but deeper summertime drinks.
• Put these plants in sandy soil with excellent drainage. A small amount of compost improves the soil for this plant.
  

Light

Lion's tail thrives in full sun and will produce more blooms than if it is trying to grow in a partial shade setting.

Soil

The shrub is not picky about soil. However, lion’s tail prefers loamy, sandy soil that is neutral or slightly alkaline. Add a bit of compost or organic matter for slightly more fertile soil.

Water

Lion’s tail will grow faster and flower for a longer time with moderate watering during winter and spring. Mature plants do well with deep watering during the summer months.

Temperature and Humidity

Lion’s tail will be damaged at 20°F or 25°F and below and should be considered as an annual or container plant in locations that experience temperatures that dip to that range.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is not necessary withlion's tail. It grows and thrives as a wildflower in poor soils in its native South Africa.

Pruning

Lion’s tail should be cut back hard inpreparation for the first frost. The next season should bring vivacious growth that invites butterflies and hummingbirds.

Propagating Lion's Tail

The lion's tail can be propagated by greenwood cuttings taken in early spring to midsummer.

1. Remove flowerless shoots that are 4 to 6 inches in length.
2. Take off the leaves at the bottom of each cutting.
3. Fill small pots with cactus mix, or a mix that is equal parts sand and peat moss. Stick the cuttings into the container.
4. Keep the cuttings moist and place them in a light shade.
5. Watch for roots to form within a few weeks and repot in larger containers if needed until it's time to plant outdoors in the spring.

How to Grow Lion's Tail From Seed

Be sure to purchase the seed for Leonotis leonurus, not Leonotis nepetifolia (commonly known as klip dagga and also lion’s ear). This is a plant in the same genus that looks very similar but is a different species entirely. Grow lion’s tail by starting seeds indoors in late winter, around February and March, until seedlings are ready to plant outside after the last frost.

1. Sow seeds in a potting mix and cover with a thin layer.
2. Put a clear plastic bag over the pot to keep the soil moist and warm.
3. Germination occurs in about two to three weeks. Take the plastic bag off the pot to lower the temperature.
4. Acclimate seedlings to the outdoor temperatures and plant them outdoors in the spring after the last frost.

Potting and Repotting Lion's Tail

Lion's tail looks beautiful as an annual planted in a container for a deck or patio. Use a large container, at least a 10 to 15-gallon pot, to accommodate its growth. Make sure there are plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the container with sandy, well-draining soil, plus a little bit of compost to improve the soil's fertility. Water a potted lion's tail plant more when it is in a container. Place the pot in full sun.

Overwintering

Cut lion's tail plants down to the ground in late winter in moderate climates. Take lion's tail plants indoors for the winter in cooler climates. Put the plants in a cool room with bright sunlight for the winter. Give them trims every so often to keep the plants compact. Flowering may continue over the winter as the plant stays indoors.

Common Pests

Lion's tail may be afflicted by spider mites, which appear as minuscule dots on the underside of the leaves. If you are overwintering the flowering plant indoors, watch for whiteflies and scale. Insecticidal soaps can reduce the problem.

How to Get Lion's Tail to Bloom

Bloom Months

This plant will bloom in the spring through the fall, more specifically from May through October.

What Do Lion's Tail Flowers Look and Smell Like?

The tubular, lipped flowers are hairy, orange, and without a fragrance. However, when the leaves are crushed, they reportedly have a subtle fragrance that reminds gardeners of either pineapple, mint, or chrysanthemums.

How to Encourage More Blooms

For abundant blooms, give lion's tail plants full sun and soil with above-average drainage. This flower requires infrequent watering as it matures.

Deadheading Lion's Tail

Perennials, such as lion's tail, should be deadheaded after blooming.

Common Problems With Lion's Tail

This virtually trouble-free plant may see a small problem or two, mostly due to its watering needs. Look for these two signs.

Yellowing, Dropping Leaves

Some older leaves will naturally yellow and drop. Excessively yellowing and dropping leaves may mean the plant needs nitrogen in the soil. Add some fertilizer to see if that helps. Yellowing leaves could also indicate root rot.

Withering Leaves

This is a sign that the plant is receiving too much or not enough water. Most likely, a fungus has already infiltrated the plant. Keep the foliage dry when watering lion's tail to reduce problems.

From: thespruce