Leonotis leonorus is an excellent plant to have in your Cypriot garden and comes from the same family as mint.  It is another introduction from South Africa with many  common names, depending on which part of Africa it is grown. The name derives from Greek, with Leon meaning Lion and otis meaning ear, so the first common name is most appropriate.

The wild form of the plant is known as dagga and is still widely used in traditional medicines in Africa to treat fevers, headaches, coughs, dysentery and many other conditions. It is also thought to keep snakes away but if it doesn’t do that, it can be used as a remedy for snake bites!

Leonotis is best grown as a small shrub. The early green stems soon turn woody and in winter it is best to cut the plant right down to about 5 or 6 cms to encourage bright new growth in spring. If the weather conditions are right the plant may have two flowerings in a year which is such good value.  Mainly though it tends to show off its whorls of bright orange flowers in October and November.  The dried stems with their unusual seed capsules are much sought after by flower arrangers. They look most attractive when sprayed gold or bronze and added to autumnal flower arrangements.   It is a very hardy and drought resistant shrub and can even put up with a small amount of low night temperatures in winter for those who live above the coastal strip. It prefers to grow in the sun in a well-drained soil. Leonotis is extremely easy to propagate from green cuttings or by seed, which are extracted from the whorls by shaking.  

Some South African varieties have creamy-white or apricot flowers but it would seem that only the orange-flowered ones are available here. They will attract birds, bees and butterflies to your garden so do give them a try.