**Leonotis leonurus: The Lion's Tail Plant**
Scientific Name: *Leonotis leonurus*
Common Names: Lion's ear, lion ear flower
**Botanical Overview**
*Leonotis leonurus*, commonly known as the lion's tail, is a striking flowering plant native to South Africa. It thrives in warm, moist, and sunny environments but can also tolerate some shade. This plant prefers well-drained soil and is not frost-tolerant, making it suitable for warmer climates. It requires fertile, deep soil to grow optimally.
**Physical Characteristics**
The plant typically reaches a height of 0.7 to 1.5 meters. Its stems are densely covered with fine hairs. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem, with a lanceolate to oblanceolate shape and coarsely serrated edges. The flowers grow at the top of the stems, forming dense clusters that resemble a lion’s tail. The calyx is yellow-green, while the corolla ranges from orange to orange-red. Flowering occurs between October and December, depending on the climate.
**Propagation and Cultivation**
Propagation is most commonly done through cuttings. In spring, take semi-woody stem cuttings and place them in a loose, well-draining medium. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop, which ensures a high survival rate. Once rooted, the plants can be transferred into pots or garden beds.
In northern regions like North China, it is often grown in containers, while in southern areas such as South China, it is planted directly in flower beds or used as ground cover.
**Cultivation Tips**
1. **Soil and Watering**: Since the lion’s tail does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, use a well-draining potting mix. Adding gravel or broken tiles to the bottom of the container helps improve drainage. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding overwatering.
2. **Fertilization and Pruning**: This fast-growing plant benefits from regular feeding. Apply diluted cake water every 15 days during the growing season. Prune the plant 1–2 times to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
3. **Light and Temperature**: As a short-day plant, it naturally blooms in winter if nighttime temperatures remain above 10°C. For flowering in other seasons, provide shaded conditions to simulate shorter daylight hours. After being moved outdoors, ensure good air circulation and avoid direct sunlight during hot periods. In colder regions, prune back the branches before winter and bring the plant indoors to a greenhouse for protection.
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