Leonotis Leonorus - Wild Dagga
Leonotis leonorus, known as Wild Dagga or Lion's Tail, is a hardy, perennial plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae) with square stems, native to southern Africa. It occurs naturally in countries such as South Africa and Lesotho and has since become a popular garden plant worldwide thanks to its striking flowers. In South Africa the plant is traditionally called Wilde Dagga, meaning "wild cannabis", although it is botanically unrelated to cannabis.
From summer onward, Wild Dagga produces tiered, tower-like flower clusters with striking, fuzzy, orange (sometimes pink) blooms arranged around the square stem. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, butterflies and, in warmer climates, hummingbirds. In traditional South African herbal medicine, an infusion of the leaf and flower has been used for generations.
Sowing and growing
Sow the seeds on light, well-draining soil and keep it moist until germination appears; germination can take a few weeks. Wild Dagga grows best in a sunny to lightly shaded spot and, once established, is fairly drought tolerant. In a temperate climate the plant is usually grown as an annual or a frost-sensitive perennial: it won't reliably survive winter outdoors, though a potted plant can be overwintered somewhere frost-free. Cutting the plant back after flowering encourages a more compact shape and a second bloom.
Storage
Store unused seeds dry and dark at room temperature, preferably in the original packaging, to keep them viable for as long as possible. Other notable species in the exotic seeds range include Leonotis nepetifolia (Klip Dagga) and Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane), for anyone looking to expand their collection.
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