• Orange Wild Dagga Flowers
  • Orange Wild Dagga Flowers
  • Orange Wild Dagga Flowers
1 3

Eden Valley Seeds

Wild Dagga Seeds for Planting – Leonotis leonurus Orange Flowering Ornamental Garden Seeds

Wild Dagga Seeds for Planting – Leonotis leonurus Orange Flowering Ornamental Garden Seeds

$16.99 USD
$16.99 USD
Sale Sold out
size

DELIVERY ESTIMATE

—

Estimated arrival

ORDER—Order placed
ORDER READY—Processing estimate
DELIVERED—Estimated delivery

♢

Secure checkout
Carefully packed seeds
Tracked delivery
Quality-focused selection
View full details

Key Features

  • Vibrant Orange Tubular Flowers: Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus) produces striking orange, tubular flowers arranged in rounded whorls along upright stems. These distinctive blooms create an eye-catching display in ornamental gardens.

  • Unique Lion's Tail Appearance: Commonly called Lion's Tail or Lion's Ear, this South African flowering shrub develops tiered flower clusters that resemble decorative rings around its tall stems.

  • Tall Architectural Growth: Develops upright, branching stems with narrow, lance-shaped green leaves. Its distinctive vertical structure adds height and texture to sunny flower borders and tropical-style landscapes.

  • Long Seasonal Flowering: In suitable warm climates, Wild Dagga can flower from summer through autumn, providing attractive seasonal color when many other ornamental plants are finishing their flowering cycle.

  • Excellent Pollinator Appeal: The nectar-rich tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding visitors, making the plant a valuable ornamental addition to suitable wildlife gardens.

Growing Benefits

  • Attracts Hummingbirds: Bright orange, nectar-producing flowers can attract hummingbirds, creating opportunities to enjoy wildlife activity in the garden.

  • Distinctive Ornamental Displays: Tall flowering stems and unusual circular flower clusters introduce architectural interest to garden borders, mixed plantings, and sunny landscapes.

  • Warm-Climate Perennial Growth: In frost-free or mild-winter regions, Wild Dagga can develop into a substantial perennial shrub that produces seasonal flowering displays.

  • Adaptable Container Gardening: Young plants can be grown in large, well-draining containers, allowing gardeners in colder climates to provide winter protection when practical.

  • Moderate Drought Tolerance: Established plants can tolerate some dry conditions, making Wild Dagga suitable for warm-climate ornamental gardens with well-draining soil.

Seed Specifications

  • Common Name: Wild Dagga, Lion's Tail, Lion's Ear

  • Botanical Name: Leonotis leonurus

  • Plant Family: Lamiaceae

  • Type: Orange Flowering Ornamental Shrub

  • Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial shrub in warm climates

  • Variety: Species form

  • Flower Color: Bright orange; other cultivated selections may have different flower colors

  • Foliage Color: Green

  • Flower Form: Tubular flowers arranged in rounded whorls along upright stems

  • Height: Approximately 4–6 feet, occasionally taller under favorable conditions

  • Spread: Approximately 3–5 feet

  • Sunlight: Full sun, preferably 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

  • Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with moderate fertility

  • Soil pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5

  • Water: Moderate watering during establishment; reduced irrigation after plants become established

  • Germination Time: Approximately 10–21 days under favorable conditions; some seeds may take longer

  • Germination Temperature: Approximately 65–75°F

  • Sowing Depth: Approximately ⅛ inch, covered lightly with fine growing medium

  • Spacing: Approximately 3–4 feet between mature plants

  • Growing Zones: Generally USDA Zones 9–11 for outdoor perennial cultivation; may be grown as a seasonal annual in colder regions

  • Planting Season: Spring after frost danger has passed

  • Flowering Season: Commonly summer through autumn, depending on climate

  • Growth Habit: Upright, branching, woody-based ornamental shrub

  • Uses: Pollinator gardens, hummingbird gardens, sunny borders, tropical landscapes, and ornamental container plantings

  • Seed Count Per Pack: 100 pcs

  • Native Region: Southern Africa

Growing Tips

  • Provide Full Sunlight: Plant Wild Dagga in a location receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight supports sturdy growth and abundant flowering.

  • Use Well-Draining Soil: Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged soil. Sandy or loamy soil with reliable drainage helps maintain healthy roots and reduces moisture-related problems.

  • Water Regularly During Establishment: Keep young plants consistently moist while their roots develop. Once established, reduce watering frequency and allow the upper soil to dry between irrigation.

  • Prune for Bushier Growth: Lightly prune young plants to encourage branching. Established plants can be trimmed after flowering or during suitable seasonal growth periods to maintain an attractive shape.

  • Protect From Severe Frost: Wild Dagga is sensitive to prolonged freezing temperatures. Move container-grown specimens to protected locations or provide appropriate winter protection in marginal growing zones.

  • Leave Space for Pollinators: Plant near other nectar-producing ornamentals to create a diverse hummingbird and butterfly garden. Avoid unnecessary insecticide applications during flowering.

Seed Storage

  • Cool Storage: Store Wild Dagga seeds in a cool, stable environment away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

  • Dry Conditions: Keep thoroughly dried seeds inside airtight or moisture-resistant containers to reduce exposure to humidity.

  • Moisture Protection: Avoid condensation and damp storage conditions that could encourage fungal growth or seed deterioration.

  • Seed Freshness: Label packets with the botanical name, collection date, and storage information. Use fresh seeds when possible and periodically test older seed lots for germination.

  • Long-Term Preservation: Maintain properly dried seeds in sealed containers under consistently cool conditions. Allow refrigerated containers to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.

Unique Facts About the Seeds

  • Native to Southern Africa: Leonotis leonurus originates from southern Africa and is widely cultivated as an ornamental flowering shrub in warm regions.

  • Member of the Mint Family: Wild Dagga belongs to Lamiaceae, the same botanical family as mint, basil, lavender, rosemary, and many other aromatic plants.

  • Distinctive Flower Whorls: Flowers develop in circular clusters around the stems, creating the tiered appearance that gives Lion's Tail its recognizable ornamental character.

  • Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers: Although native to Africa, where sunbirds may visit its flowers, Wild Dagga can also attract hummingbirds when cultivated in the Americas.

  • Natural Seed Formation: After flowering and pollination, the plant produces small nutlets typical of many members of the mint family. These contain the seeds used for propagation.

Growing Instructions

1. Planting Season: Start Wild Dagga seeds indoors approximately six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost. In warm regions, seeds may be sown outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil temperatures are consistently suitable for germination.

2. Soil Preparation: Prepare loose, fertile, well-draining soil with moderate organic matter. For container cultivation, use a quality potting mix that drains freely. Avoid compacted or waterlogged conditions, which can restrict root development and encourage disease.

3. Seed Preparation: Select mature, healthy seeds from a reliable supplier. Wild Dagga seeds generally do not require cold stratification. Soaking is not routinely necessary, although following supplier-specific preparation guidance may be helpful when available.

4. Sowing Method: Fill seed trays or small containers with lightly moistened seed-starting mix. Distribute seeds evenly across the surface and cover gently with fine growing medium. Maintain moderate warmth and consistent moisture until seedlings emerge.

5. Sowing Depth: Plant seeds approximately one-eighth inch deep. Cover lightly with fine soil and gently firm the surface to improve seed-to-soil contact. Avoid planting too deeply, as small seeds may struggle to emerge.

6. Plant Spacing: Thin young seedlings to prevent overcrowding. When transplanting outdoors, allow approximately three to four feet between mature plants, adjusting for the desired landscape arrangement and expected shrub size.

7. Sunlight Requirements: Provide bright light during germination and seedling development. Mature Wild Dagga plants grow best in full sun, preferably receiving six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for strong stems and abundant flowering.

8. Watering: Keep the seed-starting medium evenly moist during germination without allowing standing water. Water young plants regularly during establishment. Once mature, irrigate deeply when the upper soil becomes dry, adjusting frequency according to temperature and rainfall.

9. Germination: Maintain temperatures around 65–75°F for favorable germination. Seeds commonly emerge within approximately ten to twenty-one days under suitable conditions, although some may take longer. Provide bright light after emergence to prevent weak, elongated seedlings.

10. Transplanting: Move seedlings into individual containers when they develop several true leaves and sufficiently established roots. Harden off indoor-grown plants gradually before outdoor planting. Transplant carefully and water immediately to reduce establishment stress.

11. Fertilizing: Incorporate mature compost into the planting soil before transplanting. Apply a balanced ornamental fertilizer when necessary, following soil-test recommendations and manufacturer instructions. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

12. Plant Care: Remove weeds regularly and maintain adequate airflow around plants. Prune lightly to encourage branching and remove damaged stems. Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, and other common ornamental pests. Protect plants from prolonged freezing temperatures.

13. Flowering and Pollination: Wild Dagga develops orange tubular flowers arranged in rounded whorls along upright stems. Blooms can attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding visitors. Allow selected flower clusters to mature naturally if seed collection is desired.

14. Maturity and Seed Harvesting: Allow plants to establish strong root systems before major pruning. Flowering typically occurs during warm growing periods, often from summer into autumn. For seed collection, leave selected flower clusters until the seed-bearing structures mature and dry, then collect and store seeds carefully.