Lion’s Ear (Leonotis): A Striking Addition to Your Garden
If you’re looking for a plant that brings bold color and architectural interest to your garden while attracting pollinators, lion’s ear might just be the eye-catching addition you’ve been searching for. This distinctive plant, known botanically as Leonotis, offers gardeners a unique combination of vibrant orange blooms and interesting texture that can transform ordinary garden spaces.
What Is Lion’s Ear?
Lion’s ear is a forb herb – essentially a non-woody plant that can be either annual or perennial depending on your climate. Originally native to South Africa, this plant has made itself at home in warmer regions of the United States, where it reproduces spontaneously and persists in the wild.
You’ll find lion’s ear growing across the southern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Lion’s Ear
Lion’s ear brings several appealing qualities to the garden:
- Striking orange tubular flowers arranged in distinctive whorls around the stem
- Architectural plant structure that adds vertical interest
- Fuzzy, textured foliage that provides visual and tactile appeal
- Strong pollinator magnet, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
- Drought tolerance once established
- Low maintenance requirements
However, since lion’s ear is not native to North America, some gardeners prefer to choose native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Consider native options like wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) or cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) if you’re focused on supporting native wildlife.
Perfect Garden Spots for Lion’s Ear
Lion’s ear shines in several garden settings:
- Mediterranean-style gardens where its drought tolerance is an asset
- Cottage gardens where its informal, naturalistic appearance fits right in
- Wildlife gardens designed to attract pollinators
- Background plantings where its height and structure provide backdrop for shorter plants
- Accent plantings where you want to create a focal point
Growing Lion’s Ear Successfully
The good news is that lion’s ear is refreshingly easy to grow. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, though gardeners in cooler areas can grow it as an annual.
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – this plant doesn’t tolerate soggy conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering
Planting and Care Tips
Getting lion’s ear established is straightforward:
- Plant after the last frost date in your area
- Space plants adequately to allow for good air circulation
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming throughout the season
- Be aware that lion’s ear may self-seed in favorable conditions
A Word of Caution and Consideration
While lion’s ear isn’t currently listed as invasive, it’s worth monitoring its behavior in your garden since it can reproduce spontaneously. If you notice it spreading aggressively or moving beyond your intended planting area, consider removing volunteer seedlings to prevent unwanted spread.
As with any non-native plant, weigh the benefits against your garden goals. If supporting native ecosystems is your priority, you might prefer native alternatives that offer similar aesthetic appeal and pollinator benefits.
The Bottom Line
Lion’s ear can be a stunning addition to the right garden, offering unique visual appeal and valuable pollinator benefits with minimal care requirements. Its drought tolerance and architectural presence make it particularly valuable in Mediterranean-style and cottage gardens. Just remember to garden responsibly by monitoring its spread and considering native alternatives that might serve your garden goals equally well.
