Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Leonotis nepetifolia or Klip dagga

The genus Leonotis, family Lamiaceae, comprises 35 species of shrubs native to Africa and Madagascar. Some species are: Leonotis nepetifolia, Leonotis leonurus, Leonotis africana, Leonotis dubia, Leonotis capensis.

Common names: Klip dagga, Christmas candlestick, Lion's ear. This species is native to tropical Africa and southern India.

They are annual plants with erect and hairy stems that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves have a serrated edge and an ovate or lanceolate shape. The lipped flowers are orange (sometimes red, white or purple) appear in inflorescences with the shape of globose whorls. They can bloom from spring to early winter. They are decorative even when they dry at the end of their life cycle.

Klip dagga is used on borders and on the back of flowerbeds with shorter plants in front.

Leonotis nepetifolia needs full sun exposure and a warm tropical or subtropical climate. It does not resist frost.

Lion's ear can grow in any type of soil, even in dry, stony or clay soils.

Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried.

Fertilize with compost in early spring.

Klip dagga does not need pruning but its expansion should be monitored because it tends to become invasive.

Leonotis nepetifolia is a plant resistant to pests and diseases.

Christmas candlestick propagates easily from seeds sown directly to its final location in late winter.

Images of the plant Leonotis nepetifolia or Klip dagga