LION'S EAR SKIES

Leonotis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. It comprises 9 species. One of these, Leonotis nepetifolia, is native to tropical Africa and southern India. It is naturalized throughout most of the tropics. The other 8 species are endemic to southern Africa. Leonotis was named by Robert Brown in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen. The generic name means "lion's ear".

A popular garden hybrid is illustrated here. It is the rather magnificent Leonotis menthifolia - 'Savannah Sunset'. Depending on the climate of your region, this is an annual/perennial plant with an erect growth habit. In mid-Summer, Leonotis menthifolia repeatedly produces showy whorls of round, furry, orange blossoms around the tall erect stems followed later by seeds. Butterflies and bees are magnetised by the nectar-rich blossoms. The plant is easily propagated from seeds and thrives best in well-drained neutral soil in a sunny location. Lion's Ear is low maintenance and tolerates drought well. Mass plant in the back of the border for a striking effect.

This post is part of the Skywatch Friday meme,
and also part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.