The best way to Prune Leonotis
Leonotis leonurus — generally called lion’s tail — creates vibrant orange blooms that resemble the tuft of a lionâs tail. This evergreen shrub spreads to almost the same width and reaches heights of 3 to 6 feet. Leonotis is tolerant of salt and drought in the soil and thrives in Sunset Climate Zones 8. Plant lionâs tail in full-sun to appreciate its flush of colour in mid-summer.
Prune back branches that extend past the required shape of your lionâs tail shrub having a pair or sharp, sterilized garden clippers. Where the branch joins the main stem, angling it to allow rain to run-off, make the cut.
Look for dying or diseased branches and reduce them straight back to the walk out with pruning shears. This enables the lionâs tail plant to channel its power into new development. Pruning aged dead branches a way may be completed anytime, but abandon severe pruning for.
Deadhead aged or faded flowers by reducing again the flower spike to the walk out. This tips the plant into thinking it’s not made blooms that are enough to re-produce and to to create seeds. It responds by forcing blooms that are new.
Cut over-grown branches back after blooming to the walk out. Typically, eliminating up to one third of the bush opens it up, enhancing air circulation and allowing sunlight to make it to the heart. For over-grown lionâs tail shrubs, this breathes new life to the bush and encourages healthy new development.