Leonotis menthifolia
(syn. L. ocymifolia var. ocymifolia)

Fun, fun, fun & much superior to the commonly grown “Lion’s Tail” Leonotis leonorus, as this more garden-worthy species does not become woody at the base. Instead, it retains its attractive small mint-like green foliage down to the ground & forms a rounded upright shrub around 3’ tall. Showy, tactile & fuzzy tawny orange tubular flowers are held in whorls on the 3’ stems most of the year here in coastal California, late Spring ’til Fall in hotter climates. Easy, fast & disease resistant, it’s tolerant of many conditions & needs no Summer water in foggy coastal areas. Best appearance is in fairly rich well-drained soil. Neat-o cut flowers & self sows. From South Africa.

Annie