Lion's tail
I find this a very unusual flower. It reminds me of a colorful creature, with long 'legs'. These clusters grow at intervals on one stem, a few inches above each other. I have shared photos of it on previous visits you can see one of those at this link, with the information I found at the time. It is the 6th photo down in that post.
It goes by the name Lion tail, but is also known as Wild dagga, Lion's ear, Lion's claw or Minaret Flower. Its botanical name is Leonotis leonurus.
It is a very tall perennial garden plant that can grow very fast, up to 6 feet in its first season.
An evergreen shrub, native to the southern regions of Africa and cultivated around the world for its distinctive orange flowers and its tolerance for hot, dry weather. Hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar, also butterflies, though I didn't see any the day I took these photos. It was too cloudy I expect, and though not cold, not too hot either. Lion's tail flowers curve at an angle matched by the beaks of African sunbirds so I read, who feast on the plant's nectar.
It likes full to partial sun and is super easy to take care of, with resistance to almost all pests and diseases. It is a perfect option for gardeners with brown thumbs. And yay, this is perfect for me!
I am happy to say that Gregg and I visited Green Spring Gardens last Saturday. After not visiting over the summer months, we were delighted to get back. There were still lots of flowers still in bloom and we also went inside the old house. They had hummingbird photos on display. Very enjoyable!
And we had a great time walking around the garden. I will be sharing more of what we saw in tomorrow's post.
Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your week.
It's an interesting plant.
ReplyDeleteI thought so too, thank you Margaret :)
DeleteThat is a very unusual and interesting plant. I will have to see whether we have it here.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in that also Sue, thank you :)
DeleteThat is really pretty and quite unusual.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann, I agree :)
DeleteIt is a particular plant. Looking as if it were a death trap plant that preys on insects
ReplyDeleteRoentare, yes, I think it does now you've mentioned that. Thanks Roentare :)
DeleteKwiat jest piękny i niezwykły. Dobrego tygodnia życzę.😊
ReplyDeleteBardzo dziękuję :) Zgadzam się! Życzę też miłego tygodnia.
DeleteGreat autumn color for this pumpkin-orange bloom. The flower flounces outward a bit like spider's legs. :)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does and a very fitting Autumn theme plant. Thank you Penelope :)
DeleteHello Denise, I was drawn to the flower when I saw your post come up, and my goodness what an amazing plant this is, one I have never heard of. The flowers are unusual, but I find it strangely attractive. Thank you for sharing it Denise.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of the week.
All the best.
Hello Breathtaking :) I agree, it does draw one in. You are very welcome and thank you, enjoy the rest of your week also, with my best wishes :)
DeletePretty!! I look forward to your upcoming photo shares.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anni, I have my photos on the hummingbird photo exhibit tomorrow :)
DeleteI don't think I have ever seen Lions Tail before...love its bright colour.
ReplyDeleteHi Angie, I had not seen it before I started coming to this garden. I can't remember it anywhere else, though I could be wrong :)
DeleteUma flor interessante e invulgar.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
Concordo, é muito interessante. Obrigada! Um abraço e continuação de boa semana :)
DeleteWhat an amazing flower, Denise, and when I first saw the photo it reminded me of a holiday decoration. It is nice to be able to explore a favorite spot in the finally cooler weather.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Dorothy, exploring in cooler weather is wonderful! I can see why it would remind you of a holiday decoration. Thanks Dorothy :)
Deleteit is wild and beautiful but I see nothing to make it look like any part of a lion.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra, I can see your point :)
DeleteVery colourful.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is, thank you William :)
DeleteThere are many neat places to go . You seem to find them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Red, always looking at the path that leads to the other side of the hill :)
DeleteThat is really interesting! What a flower!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenn, so glad you found it interesting :)
DeleteNever seen such a flower; taller than me! They look like orange crab legs. Kinda scary. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI can see the comparison to crab legs too. Very prehistoric looking also :) Thanks Linda!
DeleteSuch an interesting plant--and so big! Your photo is terrific of this very unique specimen. I'm so glad you were able to get to Green Spring Garden and share your time there. I always enjoy your adventures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Ellen, happy you enjoyed. It is an unusual plant and flower. It felt good being able to get to the garden and am so glad you can enjoy going there with us :)
DeleteThat is such an interesting flower. I agree with Red. You do visit the most beautiful gardens, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kay, we are fortunate to have such a variety of places to visit in our area. I try not to take it for granted :)
DeleteInteresting flower, it looks almost alien.
ReplyDeleteA great description Christine, could almost see it in a sci-fi show couldn't we? Thank you!
Deletethat's a gorgeous an interesting flower -- it reminds me of a Chihuly sculpture!
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful comparison Jeanie, and I see what you mean. Thank you!
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