Leonotis nepetaefolium
Family: Lamiaceae
Perennial if protected from freezing, grown as an annual in the temperate
north. Highly decorative, with tall whorled spikes which hold
arrays of long-tubed and curving orange flowers. Hummingbirds love
them. Children pluck the orange florets and suck out the copious
nectar. Locals have taken to smoking the leaves of this plant as
a mood elevating substitute for more debilitating smokes. Note:
This is not the shiny, lance-leaved species which is Leonotis leonurus
(Wilde Dagga), but “nepetaefolia” and “leonurus” are very similar in appearance
and activity. Cultivation: Extra care.
Get an early start when sowing these as an annual, since they require a
long growing season to fully develop their potential. Sow seed in
flats in the greenhouse. Germ in 5-9 days. Thin to 2 inch spacing.
Transplant out to garden after the last frost. Plant 2 feet apart.
Grows as tall as 9 feet.
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