Thursday, October 15, 2009

'Lion's Ear' Leonotis




This perennial is a late summer/ early fall bloomer.  It can reach 4-5 ft tall and is mostly evergreen here in Houston.  If we reach really cold temperatures, it may freeze back to the ground and return in the Spring.  I just love the flowers on this plant.  The orange petals stand out in the landscape when most other summer bloomers are fading out.  They are shaped like a lion's ear and attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.  The foliage has an interesting scent that I can only describe as citrus-like: very sweet and fresh.  Lion's Ear takes full sun and is drought tolerant which is a very good thing in Houston.  If you don't have room for this one in your landscape, I've heard of it doing well in a pot.  I just love this plant:  cute name, beautiful flower, and is a winner in our heat!  You can't go wrong with this one!

This plant made my day! How 'bout yours?

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