Perennial
Lion's Tail
Leonotis leonurus
Varieties We Carry
OrangeLeonotis leonurus
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size4-6 feet × 3-4 feet
About Lion's Tail
Lion's Tail (Leonotis leonurus) is a tall, shrubby perennial native to South Africa, producing whorls of velvety tubular orange flowers stacked along square stems from late summer through winter. The vivid blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding dramatic vertical interest. Hardy in NE Florida zone 9b — may die back after a hard freeze but regrows vigorously from the roots in spring. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Orange
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun for best bloom production; Lion's Tail thrives in NE Florida's intense sun and heat, making it ideal for hot, exposed spots in the landscape.
Water
Extremely drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce to occasional deep watering. Avoid overwatering or poorly drained sites, which can be fatal.
Soil & Fertilizer
Requires well-drained, sandy or lean soil; NE Florida's sandy soils are ideal. Rich or constantly moist soils promote rank growth and rot. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient; avoid heavy feeding.
Similar needs
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Butterfly Weed
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Common questions
Is Lion's Tail a good plant for St. Augustine?
Lion's Tail is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 4-6 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.