Leonotis leonurus alba - White Lion's Tail
The fuzzy white flowers of Leonotis leonurus alba should only be used where there is time to remove the spent blooms. They turn brown and stay on the plant and detract from the unusual flower form. The White Lion's Tail is a little more tender than the orange and prefers a shadier environment. When the White Lion's Tail is in bloom it is a knockout. I am happy to remove the blossoms just to keep it going a little longer. Leonotis leonurus can be encouraged to blossom for much of the Spring and Summer with a little help. I often include Leonotis leonurus alba in the butterfly garden plans. The Gray Hairstreak, Fiery Skipper, Mournful Duskywing, Common Buckeye, White Checkered Skipper, Northern White Skipper, and California Dogface Butterflies will sip nectar.
White flowers and foliage of Leonotis leonurus alba - White Lion's Tail.
Other plant pages from the Leonotis Genus featured on this site:
Leonotis leonurus with hummingbird
Leonotis leonurus closeup of flower
Leonotis menthifolia