Originally from South Africa, Leonotis leonurus brings an almost architectural presence to the late-season garden. The blooms arrive in fall, arranged in tiered whorls along upright stems, and in a warm climate the display can continue well into winter if the plant is brought under cover. It grows quickly to its full height, and the lance-shaped leaves release a mild fragrance when brushed.

Outside its hardiness range, it functions best as a container plant that spends summer outdoors and overwinters somewhere bright and protected. In zones 8 and warmer it can freeze to the ground and still push new growth from hardened wood in spring, particularly with a light mulch over the crown. Prune after flowering to keep the plant dense rather than rangy. It tolerates drought, extreme heat, and poor soil with little complaint, and the pollinators it attracts make it a worthwhile addition to any warm-climate garden.