Leonotis leonurus (Wild Dacca) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: A statuesque tender perennial forming upright, branching stems that can reach around 2 m in height in a good Irish summer. Square, slightly woody stems carry narrow, softly serrated leaves and bold whorls of vivid orange, tubular blooms arranged in tiers up the stem, giving a striking architectural silhouette. The bright flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators and bring strong late-season colour to borders, prairie-style plantings and large pots.

Growing conditions: Best grown in full sun in a warm, sheltered position, such as against a south-facing wall, in a polytunnel or in a large container that can be moved under cover. In Ireland’s cool, wet climate it prefers a very free-draining, moderately fertile soil or peat-free compost with added grit so the roots never sit in water. Although naturally perennial, it should be treated as a tender perennial or even annual here – protect from frost by overwintering in a greenhouse, polytunnel or bright indoor space kept above 5 °C, and harden off gradually before returning outdoors in late spring. However we have found this plant to struggle through Irish winters even inside the polytunnel, we always recommend to collect seed and regrow in spring. 

Traditional & herbal uses: In modern herbal practice this species is often used as a relaxing, uplifting herb and is explored for its effects on spasmodic, tight or irritable states in the chest. Aerial parts are employed in some traditions for bronchial discomfort, occasional wheeze and to ease general nervous tension, with interest in its bitter and aromatic constituents, including labdane diterpenes and essential oils. It is also valued ornamentally for providing nectar-rich flowers that support pollinating insects in late summer and early autumn.

Maintenance & harvesting: In exposed Irish gardens, stake young plants early in the season to prevent wind rock and encourage a strong, upright framework. Tip-prune growing shoots once established to promote branching and more flower spikes, and remove spent flower whorls to extend the blooming period. For harvest, cut flowering tops on a dry morning when the majority of flowers on each whorl are open, then dry quickly in a warm, airy space. In containers, feed lightly through the growing season and reduce watering as temperatures fall; move plants under cover before the first frost and keep just moist over winter. Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings later in the season to maintain stock, and remove unwanted seed heads if you wish to prevent self-seeding.