How to Grow Leonotis nepetifolia (Lion’s Ear)
Leonotis nepetifolia, commonly known as lion’s ear, klip dagga or Christmas candlestick, is a tall, fast-growing flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to tropical and subtropical Africa and parts of the Indian subcontinent, it is recognised by its upright stems and distinctive rounded clusters of orange, tubular flowers.
This unusual plant makes an attractive addition to sunny borders, wildlife gardens and large containers. In the UK, it is generally grown as a tender annual because it does not tolerate frost.
Plant Profile
Botanical name: Leonotis nepetifolia
Common names: Lion’s ear, klip dagga, Christmas candlestick
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Plant type: Annual herb; occasionally short-lived or perennial in frost-free climates
Mature height: 1–3 metres
Spread: Approximately 60–100 cm, depending on growing conditions
Position: Full sun; a warm, sheltered location is preferable
Soil type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates a range of soil types provided drainage is good
Soil pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5, from mildly acidic to neutral or mildly alkaline
Moisture requirements: Moderate; avoid waterlogged soil
Flower colour: Orange to reddish-orange
Flowering months in the UK: Usually July to October, depending on sowing date, weather and growing conditions
Flowering season in warmer climates: Generally summer to early winter, with timing varying by region
Propagation: Seeds
RHS hardiness rating: No confirmed rating listed in the RHS species profile. Treat as frost-sensitive in the UK.
USDA hardiness zones: Approximately zones 9–11 for outdoor cultivation in suitable climates, although this is a general horticultural estimate rather than a verified species-specific rating. It can be grown as a summer annual in colder zones.
Maintenance: Low to moderate
Wildlife value: Flowers can attract bees and other pollinating insects.
Position and Growing Conditions
Leonotis nepetifolia grows best in full sun, ideally receiving six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. A warm, sheltered position encourages strong growth and improves the chances of flowering before autumn.
Choose a sunny garden border, patio or large container. Because plants can reach considerable heights, allow sufficient room for their upright stems and branching habit.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not thrive in persistently waterlogged conditions. Sandy and loamy soils are suitable, while heavy clay may need improvement to provide adequate drainage.
A soil pH of approximately 5.5–7.5 is a reasonable target, although the plant can tolerate some variation. There is usually no need to adjust soil pH if the existing soil drains well and supports healthy growth.
How to Grow Leonotis nepetifolia from Seed
Growing from seed is the easiest way to propagate this species.
When to Sow
In the UK, sow seeds indoors from March to April. Early sowing gives plants more time to grow and flower during the summer.
Sowing Instructions
- Fill a seed tray or small pots with fine, free-draining seed compost.
- Moisten the compost before sowing.
- Sow seeds on the surface and cover lightly with approximately 2–3 mm of compost or fine vermiculite.
- Maintain a warm temperature of approximately 25–30°C for reliable germination.
- Keep the compost evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged.
- Provide bright light as soon as seedlings emerge.
- Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have developed several true leaves and a healthy root system.
Germination time varies according to seed freshness, temperature and moisture. Avoid keeping seedlings in cold, poorly ventilated conditions.
Planting Outdoors
Grow seedlings in a bright, warm location until outdoor conditions are suitable.
Harden off young plants gradually over seven to ten days before planting them outside. In most parts of the UK, wait until the risk of frost has passed, usually from late May to June.
Space plants approximately 60–90 cm apart. Choose a sheltered position because tall stems may be damaged by strong winds.
For container growing, select a large pot with drainage holes and use a free-draining multipurpose compost. A stable container helps prevent tall plants from toppling over.
Watering and Feeding
Water regularly while plants are establishing, allowing the upper layer of soil or compost to dry slightly between waterings.
During warm summer weather, container-grown plants may need frequent watering. Plants growing in the ground generally require less frequent watering once established.
Avoid waterlogging, especially during cool weather.
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks during active growth if plants are growing in containers or nutrient-poor soil. Follow the fertiliser manufacturer’s instructions.
Excessive nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers, so moderate feeding is preferable.
Reduce watering and stop routine feeding as growth slows in autumn.
Pruning and Flowering
Leonotis nepetifolia naturally develops an upright habit. Pinching out the growing tip when a young plant reaches approximately 20–30 cm tall can encourage branching and create a fuller specimen.
Avoid heavy pruning once flower buds begin to develop, as this may remove flowering shoots.
When Does Leonotis nepetifolia Flower?
In UK gardens, flowering is generally expected from July through October, although the precise months depend on sowing time, summer temperatures, sunlight and the length of the growing season.
Plants sown early and grown in a warm, sunny position are more likely to flower during the summer. Late-sown plants may flower later or produce fewer flowers before autumn cold arrives.
In tropical and subtropical climates, flowering may extend from summer into early winter, and the precise calendar months vary by region.
To encourage flowering, provide full sun, avoid excessive nitrogen fertiliser and maintain suitable moisture levels.
Common Problems
Poor germination: Conditions may be too cold, the seed may be unviable or the compost may be too wet. Provide warmth and use well-drained seed compost.
Leggy growth: Insufficient light can cause weak, elongated stems. Move seedlings into brighter conditions.
Yellow leaves: Overwatering, poor drainage and nutrient deficiencies can all cause yellowing. Check the roots and compost before applying fertiliser.
Seedling collapse: Damping-off can occur in overly wet, poorly ventilated conditions. Use clean containers, fresh compost and adequate airflow.
Pests: Aphids, whitefly and spider mites may affect plants, particularly under cover. Inspect leaves regularly and deal with infestations promptly.
Overwintering
Leonotis nepetifolia is frost-sensitive and is not reliably hardy outdoors in the UK.
Most gardeners will find it easiest to grow the plant as an annual, collecting seed before the end of the season and sowing fresh plants the following spring.
Container-grown specimens can be moved into a bright, frost-free greenhouse or conservatory before cold weather arrives. Reduce watering during winter and avoid keeping the roots in cold, saturated compost.
Collecting and Storing Seeds
Allow selected flower heads to mature and dry on the plant. Collect them in dry weather and leave them somewhere warm and well ventilated to finish drying.
Separate the seeds from the dried flower material and store them in a labelled envelope or suitable dry seed container in a cool, dry place.
Remove unwanted mature flower heads before seeds disperse if you want to limit self-seeding, especially near natural habitats.
UK Growing Calendar
March–April: Sow seeds indoors in warm conditions.
April–May: Pot on seedlings, provide bright light and begin hardening off when conditions allow.
May–June: Plant outdoors once frost risk has passed.
June–August: Encourage strong growth with sunlight, suitable watering and moderate feeding.
July–October: Expected UK flowering period, depending on local conditions and sowing date.
September–October: Collect mature seed and prepare to protect any plants being retained under cover.
Winter: Store saved seed in a cool, dry place and plan the following season’s sowing.
Final Growing Advice
For the best results, sow Leonotis nepetifolia early, maintain warm conditions during germination and provide a sunny position with well-drained soil.
Although it is a tender plant in the UK, it can produce impressive height and distinctive orange flowers during the summer and autumn. Growing it as an annual and saving seed each year is usually the simplest approach for British gardeners.