Lion's Ear (Leonotis leonurus)

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stellapathic Cambria, CA(Zone 10a) Nov 10, 2002

27 Sept 02, Happy plant in dry California.

Common name: Lion's Ear
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Leonotis
Species leonurus

Plant Link: http://plantsdatabase.com/go/1048/

Thumbnail by stellapathic
Post #405444
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poppysue Westbrook, ME(Zone 5a) Nov 10, 2002

I grew this as an annual last year. It did really great but the blooms never filled out as nicely as these ones. I'd try it again if I thought it would look this good.

Post #405608
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stellapathic Cambria, CA(Zone 10a) Nov 10, 2002

This was a particularly dry, but not overly hot summer in Southern California. Grown in a container, with rich but sandy soil, kept moist throughout the season but never wet enough for water to collect in the saucer and never dry. Have to say this Leonotis was the most successful I've had in all my years here. I think the key was the low humidity myself. My cosmos also thrived this summer and I've found they like similar growing conditions; both plants respond poorly to overwatering and humidity. Good luck with this one. Stella

Post #405791
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Nov 19, 2005

This plant was the Florida perennial of the year a couple of years ago and we are far from dry here. Some years are better than others but it has been reliable for me. I have sandy type soil, ammended by oak leaves over the years. I have one planted in a mainly shady place maybe 2 1/2 to 3 hours of sun a day and the other in sun. I found that the one in the shade bloomed in the summer more and the one in the sun blooms the autumn and spring more. Anyway the hummingbirds like it as well as the butterflys.

Post #1883338
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rylaff Niceville, FL(Zone 8b) Dec 17, 2005

The humidity here is always high. We have had a fair amount of rain, including near flood a couple of times from hurricanes. Here is mine which is still blooming at this time. This pic was taken Dec. tenth. If I could figure out where the seeds were, I would send you some.

Thumbnail by rylaff
Post #1927685
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Badseed Hillsboro, OH(Zone 6a) Feb 22, 2006

Lisa, the seeds are inside each little tubular flower when it dries. The tubes will stay there and turn brown. Be careful because they bite! LOL I think that is where the *lion* part of the name comes from! Just pull off each little tube and roll it between your fingers. They are much like salvia flowers and seeds, except the dead flowers bite! Gorgeous pic as usual!

Post #2063891
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rylaff Niceville, FL(Zone 8b) Feb 22, 2006

Ah, thank you. I will have to check it out. I have some flowers on my bush that have recently turned brown. Might be some seeds in them.

Post #2063993
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