Leonotis leonurus

One of my favourite plants in the garden, I just love a bed of orange Wild Dagga in flower; makes my day. The profusion of flowers provides nectar to sunbirds and also attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. What's in a name; origin is Greek with Leonotis meaning Lion's ear and leonurus meaning Lion Coloured which refers to the colouring of some variants. Hybrids can be formed by cross pollination of the orange and white Wild Dagga, creating variations in colour from cream to apricot.

Not only are they a beautiful addition to the ornamental garden, but they are purported to have numerous medicinal uses to if you are so inclined. Traditionally, the dried leaves were smoked having a mild narcotic effect and providing relief for epilepsy sufferers. The leaves and roots were said to aid with snake and insect bites, to treat boils, eczema and other skin conditions. A tea was made to treat coughs and colds, high blood pressure, and even the simple headache. An infusion of the flowers and leaves is said to treat tapeworm.

Easy to grow, surface sow seed onto moist germination mix, only lightly covering with soil, keep moist by using a humidity dome until germinated (2-3 weeks). Transplant into a larger pot or into the garden in a full sun position when 30cm tall.

Standard Packet contains approx. 15 seeds