Leonotis Leonurus

Leonotis leonurus (wild dagga or lion’s ear) is a breathtakingly beautiful shrub which is willing to grow in a variety of climatic regions in our country. There are about 10 Leonotis species in southern Africa, but L. leonurus is mostly readily available and commonly planted.

Leonotis is a large perennial shrub that grows fast into an upright shrub about 2-3m tall. It has slightly square, woody stems and narrow, green leaves which are quite rough in texture on top, with velvety flipsides. The leaves have a strong, herbal aroma.

It produces an abundance of attractive, tubular and hairy, bright orange flowers in concentric crowns all along very tall and brittle stems. White-flowered forms are also available. They usually flower from early autumn to winter. These flowers packed with nectar, are much loved by birds and insects.

Due to their flowering period, Leonotis is a great option that will bring in pops of colour to your winter garden. They also provide a good source of food for insects and birds in winter when food is scarce.

What Leonotis needs

It is easy to grow these shrubs in a sunny spot in well-draining soil. Regular feeding in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser will keep them healthy and will ensure a great show of flowers.

After flowering, cut the plant back firmly to knee-height. In cold climates, only cut the plant back after all danger of late frost has passed. When new growth emerges in spring, pinch out the growing tip of each shoot to ensure a compact and bushy plant.

Use Leonotis as a colour pop and feeding station for wildlife between grasses to create great autumn and winter drama and the sunbirds will come flocking.

Medicinal uses

Leonotis is a very important traditional medicinal plant that has a naturally wide distribution over large parts of South Africa. The leaves, a tincture prepared from the roots, or a decoction of the seeds, are well-known snakebite remedies. A decoction of the leaves, flowers, stems and roots is used to treat spider bites and scorpion stings. It is drunk to treat high blood pressure, asthma, a bad digestive system, piles, influenza and bronchitis.

It is applied externally to treat skin diseases, eczema, boils, sores, itchiness and muscular pains. Fresh twigs in bath water will also relieve itching. A tincture of the flowers is a treatment for coughs, colds and headaches. In earlier days people suffering from nervous spasms, epilepsy and strokes smoked the fresh leaves. This is the reason why it is called wild dagga.