Leonotis leonurus

This ornamental, flowering shrub originates from Africa, however it’s grown worldwide for centuries. With its dimensions as well as remarkable flower, Lion’s Tail captures attention at a first look. The plant is mildly psychoactive and has different medical and also recovery utilizes in African traditional medication. Keep reading exactly how to look after this plant properly. Leonotis leonurus or Leonotis Menthifolia is an usual evergreen shrub in landscapes of southerly Africa. It was brought to Northern America five centuries ago, where it came to be highly appreciated as well as preferred in ornamental gardening. The plant can be found in mediterranean and also subtropical environment regions, and also it can be conveniently grown in Hawaii, California, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Arizona etc.

The plant belongs to the family of Lamiaceae or Mint family members, which appears in the shape of flowers– plants from the Mint family have tubular blossoms in tiered whorls. That sort of flower shape is specifically appealing to hummingbirds, so if you decide to grow a Lion’s Tail, you’ll be seeing them abounding around at all times. A blossom in fact looks like a Lion’s tail or Lion’s ear, which is one more name for this exotic shrub. Flowers are orange-red or generally orange, yet there are likewise white as well as yellow varieties. The flowers rise above the vegetation throughout the blooming season, in summer season and early loss.

The shrub expands truly quick as well as can get to 3 to 6 ft (1 to 2 m) in elevation, so it’s ideal for a personal privacy display. It is typically used as a border shrub however looks great in a larger container or a pot. Lion’s Tail is also understood by the name Wild Dagga. The word ‘dagga’ is connected to South African name for cannabis species. It is sometimes referred as Wild Cannabis too, trigger it has comparable psychoactive properties and it’s commonly used as an option to unlawful psychedelic plants. It additionally has various application in conventional medicine and also it’s thought about a serpent repellent. The leonotis leonurus plant is likewise deer resistant. Lion’s Tail treatment is quite very little and also with sufficient problems, it can be quickly grown. It is normally expanded as a seasonal in subtropical, cozy areas, and also as a yearly everywhere else.

Light and also Sun– The plant is drought-tolerant and also conveniently withstands the summertime sun. Put it in a complete sun placement, with a lot of light as well as direct sun. Dirt and Fertilizer– The soil for Lion’s Tail must be neutral and also well-drained. Feed it with balanced liquid plant food. Lion’s Tail needs nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the springtime, but put on not over-fertilize it cause it will make flowers weak. Utilize a lot more phosphorus to motivate even more flowers. Water– The plant can endure long periods of drought and also doesn’t like to being in water. Overwatering can create origin problems which lead to permanent plant damage. Temperature level– This is a tender plant, quickly harmed by low temperature levels and frost. It can be grown outdoors as a seasonal in US hardiness zones 9 via 11. In all other zones it must be grown inside, as a yearly houseplant. Or you can plant it outside prior to the last frost when it’s ultimately safe to place tender plants outside. Bring it outside after all frost danger has actually passed as well as move it inside your home throughout winter season if you grow it in a container or a pot.

Pruning– This is a energetic and quick farmer, so you’ll have to prune it frequently. Deadheading is a should– by removing discolored blossoms and also seedheads you will certainly promote new blooming development. Suffice as well as squeezed it back occasionally. Get rid of all parts that seem to overgrown and leggy to preserve the desired shape. Cut it back in winter season to motivate brand-new growth in springtime. Lion’s Tail consists of a pseudoalkaloid called Leonurine. The substance has been isolated from many Leonotis plants as well as other plants from the household of Lamiaceae. It has psychedelic and also healing properties as well as is extensively utilized in traditional medication in southerly Africa. It is commonly made use of to treat consumption, jaundice, muscle cramps, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, viral liver disease, dysentery, as well as diarrhea. Unlike Cannabis plants, Lion’s Tail is presently legal around the world with the exception of Poland as well as Latvia.